Scardino joins 19 Entertainment

19 Entertainment, the prodco set up by American Idol creator Simon Fuller, has appointed former Reuters Media MD Janet Scardino to oversee its commercial interests globally.

Scardino (left) will work directly with 19’s founder and CEO Fuller and president Robert Dodds.

She will be responsible for all of the company’s commercial enterprises worldwide and charged with building relationships with major global brands across a variety of platforms, including TV, digital, mobile and live events. Based in New York, she will also have offices in London and LA.

“We have a strong commercial track record here and we work with some of the biggest brands in the world,” said Dodds. “Janet will be instrumental in developing these relationships and taking a strong lead in new areas. She is the most creative media person I know and will be an invaluable addition to our team.”

“Simon Fuller has revolutionised music, entertainment and talent management,” added Scardino. “He is a rare visionary and I am looking forward to working closely with Simon and joining the 19 Entertainment team.

“At a time when media is shifting dramatically, it is critical to forge new and creative marketing models. 19’s ability to create organic, brand-integrated entertainment makes it a trailblazer, and I am thrilled to lead its global commercial interests.”

Scardino was previously global head of marketing and MD for Reuters Media, before which she was a senior VP of international marketing at AOL.

Prior to AOL, Scardino was MD for the launch of the Disney Channel in Italy, overseeing all aspects of the children’s television and digital business. She joins 19 Entertainment from The Knot, where she was president and chief marketing officer.