After an internationally acknowledged career as singer for the Progressive Music band Gentle Giant, Derek Shulman became involved in the recording business in the early 80’s. Starting as an A&R representative at PolyGram Records, where he rose to the ranks of Senior Vice President, he signed Bon Jovi, Dan Reed Network, Cinderella, and Kingdom Come, among many others.

In 1988 he became President and C.E.O of Atco Records (where he signed the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as Pantera). He also re-established the careers of AC/DC and Bad Company, both of whom sold multi-platinum albums under his watch. He then went on to become President of Roadrunner Records overseeing signings like Slipknot and Nickelback.