L.A.'s goodbye memo

GOODBYE FROM L.A.: Here’s L.A. Reid’s parting memo to his staff, emailed this morning (boldfacing added). Note the opening quote:

"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand."
-Colin Powell

To my Island Def Jam family:
After much consideration, I have decided to leave my position as Chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group. I have always thrived on growth and the next great challenge, and I look forward with much enthusiasm to what the future holds.

I am extremely proud of our beautiful roster and all we have accomplished in my seven years with IDJ. We continue to have incredible success together with today's most phenomenal superstars - Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The Killers, The-Dream, Chrisette Michele, Jeezy and Ludacris to name a few.

I want to thank all of you for your amazing contributions.

With Warm Regards -
LA

Reid has accepted a slot on Simon Cowell’s X Factor, and he’s expected to reunite with Doug Morris at Sony Music in the coming months (see story). (3/17a)