Ellis Watson Named CEO of Syco Entertainment

LONDON and NEW YORK, March 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Syco Entertainment, a joint venture recently formed between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment, today announced the appointment of Ellis Watson as CEO of Syco Entertainment Ltd.

In this new role reporting directly to Simon Cowell, Watson will take on the global development of Syco Entertainment, its properties and commercial strategies.

Based in London, Watson will also oversee the expansion of Syco in the US and the preparation for the launch of The X Factor on Fox in 2011.

Watson's first media role as Marketing Director of the Sun and News Of The World saw him develop initiatives, including Books For Schools, and brand extensions including the ISP CurrentBun.com. In 1999 Watson became the head of News International's digital businesses.

Between 2000 and 2003 Watson was employed as Managing Director of Celador International, leading the commercial sales and exploitation of the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? format. During this time the format was licensed in more than 100 countries and developed 130 ancillary consumer product lines.

In 2004 Watson was appointed Managing Director Trinity Mirror overseeing the editorial and commercial operations of its national newspaper titles.

Watson's appointment at Syco follows 4 years serving at board level for John Menzies and FirstGroup plc.

Watson is due to commence in his new role from Monday 26th April, 2010.

Simon Cowell said: "I'm delighted that Ellis will be joining Syco, his broad experience in TV and media will be a huge asset."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO Sony Music Entertainment, said: "I am pleased to welcome Ellis to the Syco team. He is a seasoned television executive who has the leadership skills and expertise to build the venture as it expands across platforms and markets around the world."

Ellis Watson said: "I've got the most exciting job in entertainment anywhere in the world - it's not a vocation, it's a calling."

SOURCE Syco Entertainment