The Recording Academy has appointed Harvey Mason Jr. as chief executive and president, effective June 1, the organization announced May 13.

Mason, who has served as interim chief executive and president for the Santa Monica-based organization since January 2020, will step down from his position as chair of the Academy's board of trustees.

Mason last year replaced Deborah Dugan, who was removed from the position 10 days before the 2020 Grammys.

Since Mason took the interim position, he has worked to improve the transparency of the Grammy awards selection process. He also hired the organization's first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

In addition, Mason oversaw changes to Grammy voting procedures and helped launch the organization's Songwriters and Composers Wing and a Black Music Collective.

Mason also spearheaded the organization’s pandemic response, helping its MusiCares fundraising division to raise and distribute $24 million for out-of-work music creators. 

Tammy Hurt, vice chair of the Recording Academy, said the search committee to replace Dugan faced a “significant challenge” finding candidates that met the standards set by Mason in his interim tenure.

“(Mason) has led the Academy through one of the most difficult periods in our history.” Hurt said in a statement. “As a music creator himself, he has provided hope, inspiration and a vision for the future that we are well on our way to achieving.”

Mason is a Grammy-nominated producer who has worked with Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Justin Bieber and Beyonce. He founded Harvey Mason Media, a music production studio based in Burbank.

“While I had not initially expected to be in this position, I remain deeply invested in the success of the organization and am motivated to help us achieve our greatest ambitions,” Mason said in a statement. “I will serve humbly with a steadfast commitment to building a more inclusive, responsive and relevant Academy."