MUMBAI: Global music, television, film and digital production company Syco Entertainment, the joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment, has announced that Charles Garland will become the worldwide CEO with immediate effect.

Formerly the COO, Garland?s role will now include leadership of Syco?s global TV business.

Garland joined Syco in March 2011 from Crystal Entertainment, the company he founded in 2007 and served as chief executive. He previously served at 19 Entertainment for eight 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, where he was responsible for building the agency?s international operations, which involved launching offices in Asia and the US.

Cowell said, "Syco is a global business operating across 167 countries, working alongside the world?s most important commercial clients and talent. I want to build on that success to ensure that Syco is one of the most important and respected entertainment businesses in the world. I have a fantastic team of people at Syco and wanted someone they respected and trusted, I am therefore delighted to confirm Charles as CEO of Syco"

Sony Music chairman, CEO Doug Morris said, "I am pleased to have Charles operating in this important role. He is a proven leader who along with the Syco team will continue to build on Syco?s successes and further expand Syco?s worldwide businesses."