Charles Garland, Simon Jones and George Levendis Named in Syco Entertainment Appointments

LONDON and NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Syco Entertainment, the joint venture formed between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment, today announced a series of key senior appointments as the company continues its expansion into US and International markets.

Charles Garland has been named COO Syco Entertainment. In this role Garland will oversee the day to day running of the company with particular emphasis on expanding and growing the business.

Simon Jones has been named COO Syco Television, USA, he will now oversee all of Syco's TV operations in the US. Both Charles and Simon will report directly to the Syco Board and Simon Cowell.

George Levendis has taken the position of Syco Television's Head Of International. He will be responsible for the international development of Syco Television assets which include the global TV franchises The X Factor and Got Talent and will work closely with Syco's partners Fremantle, international broadcasters, and Sony Music offices around the world. George will report to Charles Garland.

Simon Cowell says: "I'm delighted to welcome Charles to Syco and know he will bring his talent and enthusiasm to the future of Syco. Simon and George's International roles will help to strengthen Syco TV's shows around the world."

Ged Doherty, Chairman & CEO Sony Music UK & Ireland, says: "We are delighted that Charles is joining Syco at this incredibly exciting time. Additionally, the appointments of Simon and George will strengthen the Syco global team as the business continues to grow rapidly."

Charles Garland says: "I am excited by the many opportunities that lie ahead for Syco to build a truly outstanding global entertainment company. What the company has achieved so far is remarkable. I am looking forward to working with a great team and I relish the challenge of delivering even greater success."

Simon Jones says: "Syco has two incredible brands in the X Factor and America's Got Talent and it is a real privilege to be given the opportunity to manage and grow Syco's interests in the biggest and most fast moving TV market in the world."

George Levendis says: "I feel very fortunate to be taking on such an exciting role that allows me to combine my love for television and music on a global level with these incredible formats. I am thrilled to be working with Simon Cowell and the extraordinary creative Syco team."

Charles Garland joins Syco from Crystal Entertainment, the company he founded in 2007 and served as Chief Executive. Garland will continue to run Crystal Entertainment under the wing of Syco Entertainment, bringing its experience in forging global brand partnerships for the likes of Vodafone, Skype and MSN around Syco's talent and formats.

Garland previously served at 19 Entertainment for 8 years, helping to build up its key brands globally . Before that he worked at Bartle Bogle Hegarty(BBH) as Group Development Director, working with brands including Audi, Natwest and BT, and where he was responsible for building the agency's international operations, which involved launching offices in Asia and the US.

Simon Jones has most recently served as SVP Operations & International for Syco Entertainment, helping to develop and grow the international interests of the company, both around its television formats and artists. He was formerly Managing Director of Fremantle Music TV and senior VP of talent for worldwide entertainment. He held the post of Commercial Director of Thames Television from 2000 - 2002.

George Levendis most recently served as Managing Director of Antenna TV, the number two station in the Greek market and the largest Greek satellite station worldwide. George also appeared as a judge in three consecutive seasons on Greece's The X Factor. Prior to joining Antenna TV in 2008 George has 20 years of music industry experience working in varied senior positions around the world culminating as Senior Vice President of Sony BMG Global Marketing in New York, overseeing worldwide campaigns for artists including Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Pink, Shakira, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Leona Lewis, Il Divo and Westlife.

About Syco/Simon Cowell

Syco, with offices in London and Los Angeles, is a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. Syco Television owns and produces the BAFTA Award-winning "The X Factor," which has topped the charts around the world. Syco Television is also the owner of the "Got Talent" television format. Versions of both "The X Factor" and "Got Talent" are co-produced by Syco, and are shown in more than 70 countries and have won multiple awards including national television awards and BAFTAs. THE X FACTOR launches in America on FOX in Fall 2011 with Cowell as a judge.

Syco is also the record label home for such diverse international recording stars as Leona Lewis and Il Divo. Cowell has worked with artists selling more than 200 million albums and delivering more than 180 No. 1 records. Britain's Got Talent in 2009 launched the global singing career of Susan Boyle. Her debut Syco album sold over 8 million units in six weeks, making it the world's biggest-selling album of 2009 and the fastest-selling album in history and a total of 20 million records to date.

In 2009, Cowell was named No. 1 in Hollywood Reporter's Top 50 Most Powerful in Reality TV and Entertainment Weekly's Top Entertainer of the Year. In 2010 Simon Cowell was awarded Variety International's Humanitarian Award for his extensive charitable work, The Rose d'Or Golden Jubilee Award and BAFTA's Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and development of new talent. He also appeared on Time Magazine's list of Most Influential People in the World and was awarded the International Emmy Founders Award

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

SOURCE Syco Entertainment