Label executive: chief executive, Warner Music US
A former tour manager for Run-DMC who co-founded Def Jam with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, Cohen packed more into the first chapter of his career than many industry executives manage in a lifetime. He stayed with the company when Def Jam was sold to Seagram, and his successes went beyond rap: he played a key role in the career rebirths of Bon Jovi and Mariah Carey. He joined Warner Music Group in 2004 and is credited with increasing its market share and preparing it for a digital future. New WMG owner Len Blavatnik is a friend and ally, further strengthening Cohen's already formidable power base. Though he lives in the US, that power spills over into the UK.
