Ellis Watson quits Simon Cowell firm

Ellis Watson, the chief executive of Simon Cowell's company, Syco, has stepped down after less than a year in the job. Watson, a former managing director of Trinity Mirror , joined Syco, jointly owned by Cowell and Sony Music Television, in March this year . The company, which co-produces ITV1's The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, said he was stepping down due to difficulties faced in balancing the rapid expansion of Syco in the US and UK with his commitments to his family in Scotland. Cowell is due to take The X Factor to the US for the first time in 2012, where he is expected to be joined by one of the UK show's judges, Cheryl Cole . Watson said: "We've achieved an amazing amount in a short time, and Syco is more than ready to take on America. "I'm gutted that I can't reconcile my family needs in Scotland with the demands of being in the US – Rodeo Drive isn't quite ready for my Highland cattle. "I'm proud of the team's achievements and will enjoy watching their continued success from Blighty." Sony said it was not looking to replace Watson as chief executive "at present". Cowell said: "I would like to thank Ellis for his valuable contribution, hard work and enthusiasm; he will be missed by all of us." Ellis, a former executive with the Sun and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? producer Celador, joined Syco earlier this year after four years serving at board level for John Menzies and FirstGroup. At the time he described it as "the most exciting job in entertainment anywhere in the world – it's not a vocation, it's a calling". • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".