Syco names replacement TV chief

Syco Entertainment, the joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment, has promoted internally to fill a gap left by the exit of its head of TV.

Nigel Hall had been made global head of TV with a remit to spearhead expansion in the US. He joined the company at its inception eight years ago and has helped to develop The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent – both of which have been adapted around the world.

The move follows the exit of Syco head of TV Shu Greene – also a founder member of the company’s team – who has left the company to join ITV Studios UK as director of entertainment.

As global head of TV, Hall will become a key figure in developing Syco’s recently commissioned formats and will oversee plans for the company’s US expansion, following the launch of The X Factor on broadcast network Fox last year. The show will return for a second season later this year.

Hall also exec produced Red or Black?, Syco’s newest format, when it debuted on UK commercial broadcaster ITV1 last summer. He will reprise the role after the format was renewed for a second run this autumn.

Cowell said of Hall: “He is one of the most talented TV executives I have ever met.”

Syco last month named Charles Garland, then Syco’s chief operating officer, as its new worldwide CEO.

Garland said: “Since my arrival last year, we have put considerable investment into the development of new shows, with Red or Black? being the first of these to emerge. Nigel will spearhead this continued expansion.”