L.A. Reid Officially Named Chairman & CEO of Epic Records

The former Island Def Jam chairman is formally titled after two weeks at the Sony label.

He's been on the job for weeks, but on Monday morning L.A. Reid was officially named Chairman & CEO of Epic Records by new Sony Music Entertainment CEO Doug Morris. Reid will report to Morris and oversee the day-to-day operations of the New York-based label. He worked under Morris for several years at the helm of Island Def Jam Records, a post he left in March, just months after Morris left IDJ's parent company Universal Music Group.

Morris said in a statement, "L.A. repeatedly has proven over the course of his celebrated career that he knows how to develop world-class artistry. We are very happy to have an executive of his talents leading Epic Records as we begin an exciting new chapter of growth for Sony Music Entertainment."

Reid stated, "I look forward with great enthusiasm to joining the Sony Music family as it affords us the opportunity to build Epic Recordings as the revolutionary music company of tomorrow. We are deeply committed to discovering and developing the next generation of superstars as well as implementing a fresh and innovative business model. It is also my distinct pleasure to be once again joining Doug who is an amazing leader and the most visionary and forward-thinking executive in the music entertainment industry."

Reid will also work alongside Simon Cowell as a judge onThe X Factor, Fox's singing competition TV series. Which debuts this fall. The Epic roster will feature select artists developed from THE X FACTOR franchise, as well as other new signings, including the pop duo Karmin.

At IDJ, worked extensively with Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. Previously he served as president and CEO of Arista Records, and before that was Co-Founder and Co-President, LaFace Records, where he worked with arti