Simon Cowell's sharp entrepreneurial nature and overarching expertise within the music and television industries have played a key role in shaping the cultural realities of the 21st century. Simon is an A&R executive, creator, producer and star of some of the highest-rated television shows around the world. His discerning eye for talent and candid remarks have made him a household name, as viewers devotedly tune in to watch him as judge on "The X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent."

In 2002, Cowell founded SYCO Entertainment, a leading global music, television, film and digital production company. Syco is a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment, with offices in London and Los Angeles. Cowell is responsible for over 300 million record sales worldwide by such diverse artists as such as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Il Divo, Cher Lloyd, One Direction and Labrinth. Artists discovered by "The X Factor" format have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including 110 number ones and 270 top ten releases and 501 top 50 releases. Susan Boyle, a runner up on "Britain's Got Talent," has been named one of the biggest-selling UK artists in America for three years running.

Cowell's insatiable appetite for music and entertainment has led him to international acclaim and recognition. In 2007, he became the first producer to simultaneously have the number one program in the U.K. and the U.S. as "Britain's Got Talent" and "America's Got Talent" topped television charts. In 2012 both these formats remain number one entertainment shows in their respective countries. "Got Talent" is the world's leading entertainment format and is now airing in over 40 countries. The 2011 finale of "The X Factor," held at Wembley Arena in front of a live audience of 12,000, was the most watched TV show of the year, with a bigger audience than the Royal Wedding. "The X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent" have won multiple BAFTAs and National Television Awards.

In addition to serving as a judge on "The X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent," Cowell is the creator and executive producer of "America's Got Talent," which is returning for its seventh season.