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Simon Fuller

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Simon Fuller
Born
Simon Robert Fuller

(1960-05-17)17 May 1960(age 64)
British Cyprus
Occupation(s)Talent manager,television producer,investor,creative consultant
Years active1981–present
Employer(s)19 Entertainment(1985–2010)
XIX Entertainment(2010–)
Websitexixentertainment

Simon Robert Fuller(born 17 May 1960) is a British entrepreneur,artist manager,and film and television producer.[1]He is the creator of theIdolsTV format,including the UK seriesPop Idoland the US seriesAmerican Idol.

Fuller came to prominence in the 1990s for managing the British girl group theSpice Girls,and he has since managed acts in various fields of entertainment, from sports starsDavid BeckhamandLewis Hamiltonto other musicians such asAmy WinehouseandAnnie Lennox.[2][3]

Since 2020, Fuller has been working with tech firmTikTokto aid development of new TikTok creatives[4]and in the same year he announced a partnership withVerizon Communicationsto develop5Gcontent.[5]In 2021,Pearson PLCannounced a partnership with Fuller to create a new global education business in Performing Arts.[6]In 2016, Fuller persuaded Swedish quartetABBAto reunite to explore working in virtual reality,[7]which led to theABBA Voyageproject.[8]

Timehas named Fuller one of the100 most influential peoplein the world.[9]He has been certified as the most successful British music manager of all time byBillboard.[10]Fuller received the 2,441st star on theHollywood Walk of Fameon 23 May 2011.[11]In 2014 he was awarded an honorary degree by theUniversity of Brightonin his home countyEast Sussexin recognition for his "contribution to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy". The 2020Sunday Times Rich Listestimated Fuller's wealth at £445 million.[12]

Biography

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Fuller was born on 17 May 1960 inBritish Cyprus,[13]though later the family moved toAccra, Ghanawhere his father was the headmaster of the British Military School, Burma Camp. The family moved back toHastings,East Sussex, where Simon's father became headmaster of the school he attended.[14]He has two brothers,Kimand Mark.

Fuller began his career in 1981 at Chrysalis Music Limited in the UK,[15]where he signedMadonna's first hit'Holiday'to the company. He started his own management company in 1985,19 Entertainment,[16]eventually selling the business toCKX, Inc.in a cash and stock deal worth over $200 million in March 2005.[17]In 2008 the company delivered a profit of $92.5 million (£66m) into the parent company.[18]Fuller became a director of CKX, a position which gave him creative control over all of CKX's assets including theElvis Presley Estate,Muhammad Ali's business interests, and other rights properties, until January 2010 when he started a new firm,XIX Entertainment,while continuing to work with CKX/19 as a consultant and executive producer.[19]XIX Entertainment was given a valuation of $100 million and is run from offices in London and Los Angeles.[20][21]

In February 2008, Fuller was presented with the PGA Award by theProducers Guild of Americain Hollywood. At the event he was praised for his creativity, entrepreneurship, and charity work byBritish Prime MinisterGordon Brownand currentKingCharles III,who was still thePrince of Walesat the time, who also thanked Fuller for his support of the Prince's charityThe Prince's Trust.

TV production, formats, technology

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Fuller's first broadcast venture wasMiami7,a scripted TV drama starring the British pop groupS Club 7screened byBBC/Fox Kidsin 100+ territories around the world.[22]Miami 7launched the careers of several stars includingRachel Stevens,Jon Lee,Holly Willoughby,andBen Barnes,and the show created a blueprint for the teen-oriented television musicals that followed, includingGleeandHigh School Musical.[23]

In 2001, Fuller createdPop Idol,a prime time TV show on British television thatMaggie BrowninThe Guardianstates "became a seminal reality/entertainment format".[24]The show produced instant No 1 chart hits, including forWill Young,whose single "Evergreen"was named byNMEmagazine in 2012 as the "biggest selling single of the century" in the UK.[25]Fuller soldPop Idolaround the world, and he has been credited with creating the world's most valuable TV format with a value of over $8 billion made up of revenue from sponsors, merchandising, telephone, music sales, broadcast and advertising sources. In the USAmerican Idolbecame a No.1 rated show. The show made stars of its presenterRyan Seacrestas well asSimon Cowell,Randy JacksonandPaula Abdulas well as many of its performers includingKelly Clarkson,Carrie Underwoodand others.[26]Over 30 million viewers sawDavid Cookwin the seventh season ofAmerican Idolin May 2008 and when Fuller re-launched the show in 2011 for its 10th season ratings climbed 20% for the finale event. 122.4 million votes were cast, a record for a reality TV show.[27]

In 2005, Fuller, along with co-creatorNigel Lythgoe,launchedSo You Think You Can Danceon the Fox network in the US. The show grew over 16 seasons to become a regular summer hit.[28]In 2012, Simon Fuller'sXIX Entertainmentcreated a new international format withJennifer Lopez,Marc Anthony,andJamie Kingnamed Q'Viva! The Chosen, and described as a celebration of Latin culture that screened in 21 territories reaching over 30 million Spanish-speaking TV viewers.[29]

In December 2016, Norwegian state broadcasterNRKannounced that it had concluded a deal with Simon Fuller to produce the English language version ofSkam;Fuller later announced a deal with Facebook to launch award-winning drama formatSKAM Austinin the US in 2018.[30][31]

In 2017, international news media reported on auditions being staged by Fuller's business XIX forNow United,a real time access global pop group being cast in 14 cities around the world.[32][33]In 2019, theLondon Evening Standardconfirmed thatBBC Onewould broadcastSerengeti,a wildlife drama created by Fuller.[34]In July 2020, US media reported that "Serengeti", voiced byLupita Nyong'o,created by Simon Fuller, was nominated for aPrimetime EMMY Award[35]

In February 2023, Fuller created a fictional anthropomorphic animal band/dance troupe The Meeps, with their debut single "Love Louder".[36]

Impact on music culture

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Fuller came to prominence in the 1990s for managing the pop group theSpice Girls.[37]He has managed acts includingVictoria Beckham,Annie Lennox,S Club 7,Now United,Steven Tyler,Amy Winehouse,Carrie Underwood,Kelly Clarkson,Will Young,Emma Bunton,Any Gabrielly,The Future X,Lisa Marie Presleyand many more in addition to sports iconsLewis Hamilton&Andy Murray.[38]

In 2008, Fuller was certified as the most successful British music manager of all time byBillboardmagazine.[10]He has managed the career ofAnnie Lennoxsince the release of her multi platinum albumDivain 1991.[39]He has managed hit songwriters and producers, includingCathy Dennis,who first met Fuller as the singer ofD Mobin the 1980s. Under Fuller's guidance, Dennis became the UK's No. 1 female songwriter with a string of hits for artists includingKylie Minogue,Britney Spears,Katy Perry,Pink,Will Young,and others.[40]

Fuller managed theSpice Girlsthrough the peak of their 1990s success and he remains in partnership with the five girls today.[41][42]Under Fuller's guidance, the Spice Girls became a marketing phenomenon, rose to chart topper status worldwide and went on to sell over 85 million records.[43][44]In 2002, Fuller's company discovered 19-year-oldAmy Winehouse,produced her first award-winning albumFrankand signed her toUniversal Music.[39]

In 2005, 2006, and 2007, the biggest selling music acts in North America (Kelly Clarkson,Carrie Underwood,andDaughtry) were all managed by Fuller.[45]In October 2016, Fuller announced a joint venture with the 4 original members of the Swedish supergroupABBAto create a new digital ABBA;[46]In August 2020, BBC News announced that Fuller had signed an exclusive agreement with tech firmTikTokto create a new TikTok supergroup.[47]

Fashion activity

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Fuller owns significant stakes in several British fashion businesses including Victoria Beckham Ltd. In 2006, Fuller brokered the deal for 19 Entertainment to purchase a majority share inStorm Model Management.In 2008, after assembling a highly qualified creative team Fuller launched theVictoria Beckhamdress collection atNew York Fashion Week.Since then Victoria Beckham Limited has grown to become a best selling high-end fashion brand, stocked in over 400 outlets around the world and winning Brand of The Year at the 2012 and 2014British Fashion Awards.In 2012, Fuller accompaniedVictoria Beckhamto launch the business in China.[48]

In February 2012, XIX Entertainment launched aDavid Beckhambodywear range in 2,500H&Mstores around the world.[49]This was followed in 2015 when Fuller announced a joint venture with Hong Kong-basedGlobal Brands GroupHolding Ltd (787) giving Fuller and Beckham ownership of their own apparel business specifically to develop the David Beckham brand and other consumer products.[50]The first result of this partnership was the Fall 2016 re-launch of the British heritage menswear label Kent & Curwen, which under Beckham, Fuller and 7 Global ownership currently runs 113 stores in 51 cities worldwide.[51]In 2019, US media reported that Fuller sold 33% share of David Beckham business for $50 million after generating revenue of $72.4 million and a profit of $16 million for fiscal 2017.[52]

Sports activity

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In 2003, Fuller formed a joint venture partnership with British footballerDavid Beckhamand went onto build a diverse range of business interests in sport, leisure, fashion and entertainment over a period of 16 years that became known as Brand Beckham.[53][54]In 2006 Fuller took on representation of the England soccer team at Beckham's suggestion[55]and the following year Fuller negotiated his five year contract for Beckham to joinLA Galaxy.[56]In 2013, Fuller and Beckham discussed plans to buy an MLS football team in Miami[57]with Beckham thanking Fuller in an interview with CNN: “When I signed my contract my manager Simon Fuller actually got a clause in the contract that enabled me to have a franchise at the end of my playing career”.[58]

Later in the same year Fuller and Beckham launched a new global whisky in partnership with British drinks companyDiageo.[59]Fuller's plan to deliver Beckham's ownership of an MLS team was announced in January 2018 when Miami was confirmed as 25th MLS team.[60][61]The Financial Times reported that Fuller sold his interests in David Beckham's business in 2019 for a reported £50m.[62]

In 2009, Fuller took on personal representation of British No.1 tennis playerAndy Murray,[63]representing him during hisUS OpenandWimbledonwins and later helping the player to establish his own business. In March 2011, Fuller was announced as the manager of British F1 driverLewis Hamilton[64]and surprised many when he moved Hamilton fromMcLarenand signed him to a long-term contract with theMercedesAMGteam. Hamilton won the 2014 F1 World Championship and publicly thanked Fuller for his support.[65]

Personal life

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Fuller married his long-term partner Natalie Swanston in May 2008, and they have three children.[66]

He has a portfolio of real estate including properties in Europe, North America, and South America. In 2014, Fuller was awarded an honorary degree by theUniversity of Brightonin recognition for his "contribution to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy".[67]

Awards and nominations

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  • 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Britweek Award[68]
  • 2016 Governor's Award Creative Arts Emmy[69]
  • 2014 Honorary Degree, University of Brighton[70]
  • 2011 Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame[71]
  • 2007 Top Trend Setter, Forbes Magazine[72]

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Simon Fuller".16 December 2013.
  2. ^The man with stars in his eyesThe Guardian.Retrieved 12 May 2024
  3. ^"Annie Lennox behind the Spice Girls' success, says Simon Fuller".The Guardian.Retrieved12 May2024.
  4. ^"American Idol creator Simon Fuller turns to TikTok talent".BBC News.7 August 2020.
  5. ^"Simon Fuller, Verizon Form Pact to Develop 5G Music and Entertainment Experiences (EXCLUSIVE)".Variety.Retrieved17 December2020.
  6. ^"Pearson and Simon Fuller join forces to set up Academy of Pop".the Guardian.15 October 2021.Retrieved25 November2022.
  7. ^"ABBA back together for Simon Fuller project".26 October 2016.
  8. ^"ABBA tease major announcement ahead of new music".BBC News.26 August 2021.
  9. ^The TIME 100: Simon Fuller,Time.Retrieved 3 May 2007
  10. ^ab"Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller is 'most successful British manager'".The Daily Telegraph.London, UK. 19 May 2008.
  11. ^Simon Fuller: Hollywood Walk of FameWalkofFame. Retrieved 15 June 2011
  12. ^"Sussex's richest people – and how they made their money".The Argus.17 May 2020.Retrieved15 March2022.
  13. ^Geoffrey Wansell (18 April 2002)."This man wants to rule the world".London Evening Standard.Archived fromthe originalon 5 May 2013.Retrieved4 May2012.
  14. ^Marre, Oliver"The man with stars in his eyes",guardian.co.uk, 14 January 2007.
  15. ^"'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller Gets Star On Walk Of Fame",losangeles.cbslocal; retrieved 23 May 2012
  16. ^Jamie Doward (27 July 2003)."Reign maker",The Guardian,27 July 2003; retrieved 23 May 2012.
  17. ^CKX chief's departure could set off bidding war for 'American Idol' parentLos Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 April 2012
  18. ^Sweney, Mark (3 March 2009)19 Entertainment profits soarThe Guardian.Retrieved 11 April 2012
  19. ^Georg Szalai (2 May 2011)."'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller's 2010 CKX Compensation: $14.2 Million ".The Hollywood Reporter.Retrieved12 May2012.
  20. ^Matthew Garrahan (14 March 2011)."Fuller's XIX now valued at $100m".Financial Times.Archivedfrom the original on 10 December 2022.Retrieved11 May2012.
  21. ^"XIX Entertainment Ltd profile".Companies in the UK.Retrieved11 May2012.
  22. ^"S Club reach for the top".BBC News.BBC. 18 June 2000.Retrieved19 May2012.
  23. ^Catherine Applefeld Olson (18 May 2008)."New shows in the works from" Idol "creator".Billboard.Retrieved19 May2012.
  24. ^"The scribbled note that changed TV".The Guardian.Retrieved3 October2019.
  25. ^"Will Young's 'Evergreen' revealed as biggest selling single of 21st century".NME. 8 May 2012.Retrieved19 May2012.
  26. ^Stephen M. Silverman(18 October 2002)."'American Idol' Judges Set to Return ".People.Archived fromthe originalon 1 October 2015.Retrieved19 May2012.
  27. ^'American Idol': Record 122 Million Votes Cast Following Final Performance ShowThe Hollywood Reporter.Retrieved 23 August 2011
  28. ^"Meet 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 16's Top 10 Dancers (PHOTO)".5 August 2019.
  29. ^Simon Fuller, Jennifer Lopez And Marc Anthony Team With Jamie King For Trilingual Reality Series 'Q’Viva! The Chosen'Deadline Hollywood.Retrieved 23 August 2011
  30. ^Clarke, Stewart (18 October 2017)."Facebook Orders Online Teen Drama 'Skam'".Variety.Retrieved11 June2018.
  31. ^Schwindt, Oriana (9 December 2016)."Simon Fuller to Bring 'Shame' to American, Canadian Audiences".Variety.Retrieved11 June2018.
  32. ^"#PopGroup: Simon Fuller talks 'Now United' and his search inside Mumbai!".Urban Asian.21 December 2016.Retrieved11 June2018.
  33. ^"Sem glamour de reality, dono da franquia" Idol "busca estrela pop no Brasil"(in Brazilian Portuguese).Retrieved11 June2018.
  34. ^"Serengeti on BBC One: New nature documentary from Simon Fuller is a dramatic savannah soap",London Evening Standard.Retrieved 8 October 2019
  35. ^"Emmys: Cate Blanchett, Lupita Nyong'o, Octavia Spencer, Anna Kendrick, Zendaya Among 42 First-Time Nominees".28 July 2020.
  36. ^Milligan, Mercedes (14 March 2023)."Meet The Meeps, an Animated Animal Band from the Creator of 'American Idol'".Animation Magazine.Retrieved14 March2023.
  37. ^The man with stars in his eyesThe Guardian.Retrieved 30 May 2012
  38. ^"Annie Lennox behind the Spice Girls' success, says Simon Fuller".The Guardian.Retrieved8 October2019.
  39. ^ab"Simon Fuller thanks Simon Cowell and the Beckhams".BBC.Retrieved31 January2020.
  40. ^Singh, Anita (11 August 2008)."Forgotten pop star Cathy Dennis scores Transatlantic number one as songwriter".The Daily Telegraph.London, UK.
  41. ^Domenic Pride (12 June 1999)."19 Records' 21st Century Girls".Billboard Magazine.Retrieved12 May2012.
  42. ^Jim Armitae (18 March 2005)."Pop svengali's £100m windfall".London Evening Standard.Retrieved12 May2012.
  43. ^"Spice Girls collection mission for Liz West".BBC News.London. 27 January 2011.Retrieved28 November2012.
  44. ^"My Life as a Spice Girl: Geri" Ginger Spice "Halliwell (Now Horner) Looks Back at the Beginnings of a Pop Culture Phenomenon".Marie Claire.12 July 2016.Retrieved17 February2017.
  45. ^Andreeva, Nellie. (13 June 2011)"'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller Launches Joint Venture With Chris Blackwell",Deadline; retrieved on 22 May 2014.
  46. ^"Abba reunion on the cards thanks to Simon Fuller".The Daily Telegraph.London, UK.
  47. ^"American Idol creator Simon Fuller turns to TikTok talent".BBC News.7 August 2020.
  48. ^A very special edition: Simon Fuller managed Victoria Beckham stars as Range Rover’s new designer,Prweb (23 April 2012); retrieved 22 May 2014.
  49. ^David Beckham H&M Underwear Range & Naked Photoshoot (Vogue UK).Vogue.co.uk (4 April 2012); retrieved 22 May 2014.
  50. ^Simon Fuller to brand it like Beckham in Hong Kong tie-up,bloomberg, 3 December 2014; accessed 31 July 2015.
  51. ^wwd16 September 2016;
  52. ^“David Beckham Reportedly Buys Stake In His Company At $150 Million Valuation”.Forbes. Retrieved 8 October 2019
  53. ^"Diageo launches David Beckham and Simon Fuller whisky brand Haig Club globally".The Drum.Retrieved25 November2022.
  54. ^"Why Brand Beckham is still a perfect package".16 May 2013.
  55. ^Day, Julia (6 March 2006)."Simon Fuller wins England contract".The Guardian.
  56. ^"Sport is where the money is now: Ask Simon Fuller, the man behind the".9 July 2013.
  57. ^David Beckham reveals purchase of MLS Miami franchise,EspnFc, 5 February 2014; retrieved 22 May 2014
  58. ^"David Beckham 'passionate' about being club owner".30 October 2013.
  59. ^Resource ItemArchived26 April 2014 at theWayback Machine,Diageo, 8 April 2014; retrieved 22 May 2014.
  60. ^McMahon, Bobby."Miami's Day Finally Comes For David Beckham, Partners And Fans As MLS Names 25th Team".Forbes.Retrieved11 June2018.
  61. ^"Football: Beckham confirms LA Galaxy move".the Guardian.11 January 2007.Retrieved25 November2022.
  62. ^"David Beckham pays $50m for full control of his brand business".Financial Times.10 May 2019. Archived fromthe originalon 10 December 2022.Retrieved25 November2022.
  63. ^Andy Murray banks on yoga and Simon Fuller ahead of Australian Open final,The Daily Telegraph;retrieved 8 June 2012.
  64. ^Lewis Hamilton joins Simon Fuller management company,BBC Sport;retrieved 11 April 2012
  65. ^"How Lewis Hamilton's momentous move to Mercedes began in 2006".the Guardian.25 July 2014.Retrieved25 November2022.
  66. ^"Simon Fuller".The Hollywood Reporter.Retrieved25 November2022.
  67. ^Simon Fuller awarded an honorary degree by the University of Sussex,bbc.co.uk; accessed 31 July 2015.
  68. ^"Simon Fuller to receive Entrepreneur of the Year Award in L.A next month".Music Business Worldwide.16 March 2016.
  69. ^"Emmys: 'American Idol' Tapped for 2016 Governors Award".hollywoodreporter.19 August 2016.
  70. ^"Simon Fuller receives Brighton University honorary degree".BBC News.31 July 2014.
  71. ^"Fuller thanks Cowell and Beckham".BBC News.24 May 2011.
  72. ^Rose, Lacey (28 August 2007)."In Pictures: The Trendsetters".Forbes.Retrieved2 May2010.[dead link]
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