Mercury is rising again.

The historic Mercury Records label will be re-launched as a new division of the Island Def Jam Music Group, it was announced today by Chairman Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, with respected music industry vet David Massey named President.

Massey will oversee the entire range of the label’s operations, based in N.Y., reporting to Reid. He’ll report to Island President/IDJMG COO Steve Bartels on operational matters.

Commented Reid: “Even more than David’s proven leadership and success as an executive in our business is the track record of trust and inspiration he has won from the artists he’s worked with over the years. This all-important quality makes him the perfect choice to pilot Mercury through its latest incarnation as a new cornerstone in the IDJ family. We welcome him to the senior management team. ”

Added Bartels: “I am looking forward to working closely with David as he re-launches Mercury. He brings an impeccable reputation as an executive and talent finder, which will add immeasurably to the future success of the label.”

Said Massey: “This is an extraordinary opportunity. To work alongside L.A. Reid, Shawn Carter, Steve Bartels, Jermaine Dupri and the entire Island Def Jam staff, as we breathe new life into Mercury Records, is a chance to put all our creativity and initiative to the test. I look forward to the challenge. And I can’t wait to re-release all those old Johnny Cougar albums.”

Massey comes to IDJ from Sony Music Entertainment, where he was President of Daylight Records and EVP A&R for Sony Music Label Group U.S. since 2004. He founded Daylight in late 2000, as an A&R resource for all of the labels within the Sony Music Label Group. He subsequently signed and developed a broad array of artists, including Anastacia, Good Charlotte, Phantom Planet, Cheyenne Kimball and Cyndi Lauper.

Massey spent his first 10 years at the company with Epic Records, starting as VP of A&R in 1991, continuing as EVP/GM from 1997-‘99, and then EVP A&R until 2001. During his tenure with the company, he worked with Shakira, Oasis, Franz Ferdinand, Travis, Silverchair, Lara Fabian, Play and Delta Goodrem.

Prior to joining Epic, Massey was based in London, where he had a successful career in artist management in addition to heading his own independent record company, Big World Records. He holds a Masters in Law from Cambridge University, with a minor in mushy peas.