James Iovine

Chief Executive

Beats Electronics

THE LATEST: Music industry icon Iovine launched Beats Electronics with Dr. Dre in 2006 and sold it to Apple in 2014 for $3 billion. He stepped away from day-to-day duties at the company, better known as Beats by Dre, in 2018. Iovine remains with Apple as a consultant. He and Dr. Dre recently announced they would donate Covid-19 test kits and free meals to help residents of Compton. In April, Iovine invested in esports company Faze Clan as part of a $40 million funding round.

BACKGROUND: Iovine launched his career in the 1970s as an engineer on recordings by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and U2. He co-founded Interscope Records in 1990 and oversaw the creation of pioneering hip-hop music with artists including Tupac Shakur, Eminem and 50 Cent. Iovine also produced the 2002 film "8 Mile" starring Eminem before launching Beats as a headphone maker and eventually the Beats Music streaming service. Iovine and Dr. Dre were the subjects of the 2017 documentary &The Defiant Ones.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 5

Return to the 2020 edition of the LA500.

Reader Poll

READER POLL: Are you satisfied with the diversity of your company’s workforce?

Reader Poll

READER POLL: Are you satisfied with the diversity of your company’s workforce?