19 Entertainment Names New CEO

NEW YORK: Robert Dodds has been appointed as the CEO of 19 Entertainment, following Simon Fuller’s decision to start up a new entertainment company.

Last month, the American Idol creator said he was planning to start up a new venture, but would remain involved with 19, which he founded, by executive producing and providing overall global executive direction for American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and the recently unveiled If I Can Dream, a multiplatform talent search, in return for a share of the profits.

Dodds now takes on the post of CEO of 19 Entertainment after serving as president since August 2006. He joined 19 when it acquired his firm, Freedom Media. Dodds will assume day-to-day responsibility for 19 Entertainment, which is owned by CKX.

"Robert has been central to the success of 19 Entertainment over the past three years," said Robert F.X. Sillerman, CKX’s chairman and CEO. "He has helped drive the growth of the Idols and So You Think You Can Dance franchises, and was pivotal in the development of our recently announced new multimedia initiative, If I Can Dream. As 19 continues to exploit these three and other lucrative opportunities, it is only appropriate that Robert assume the CEO’s role. We’re thrilled that he will be able to continue his excellent work with 19, while maintaining the company’s strong ties to Simon."