New York, NY, July 18, 2011 – Renowned record executive and Grammy Award-winning producer Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid has been named Chairman & CEO of Epic Records, it was announced today by Doug Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Music Entertainment.

In this role, Reid will report to Morris and oversee the day-to-day operations of the New York-based label.

Morris stated, “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.”

In addition to leading Epic, Reid, as previously announced, will sit alongside Simon Cowell as a judge on THE X FACTOR, the highly anticipated singing competition television series debuting this fall on FOX.

The Epic roster will feature select artists developed from THE X FACTOR franchise, as well as other new signings, including the pop duo Karmin.

Reid most recently was Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, where he played a role in numerous hits from superstars including 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, scoring critical and commercial successes with artists such as Avril Lavigne, Dido, P!nk, Usher, OutKast, and Sarah McLachlan among many others.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, BNA Records, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, MASTERWORKS, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Roc Nation, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Gospel Music Group, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.