R&B hit-maker Reid leaves Arista

Hit hip-hop group OutKast were among Reid's signings

US music executive Antonio "LA" Reid, one of the most influential men in modern R&B, has stepped down as head of Arista Records after three years.

He launched the careers of OutKast, TLC and Toni Braxton, and produced hits for Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown during 25 years in the industry.

But he has now resigned as president and chief executive officer of Arista.

Arista's parent company, Bertelsmann's BMG, felt that a change was needed, according to the Reuters news agency.

Arista was estimated to have lost more than $100m (£54m) in the last two years, Reuters reported.

Merge plans

The label's current roster includes Avril Lavigne, Pink, Usher, Blu Cantrell and Dido.

And Reid's departure comes as Bertelsmann and Sony await regulatory approval to merge their music divisions.

One of Reid's most publicised decisions came when he signed Houston for a reported $100m in 2001.

But she has struggled to find success in recent years, with her last album, Just Whitney, reaching number nine in the US chart.

Reid's career began when he teamed up with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds in the 1980s to form a hit songwriting and producing partnership before launching their own LaFace record label in 1989.

Reid succeeded Arista founder Clive Davis as head of the label in July 2000.