Ellis Watson was the CEO of Syco Entertainment Group, the joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Entertainment. His role involved overseeing the launch of Cowell's X Factor format on US TV network Fox.. Previously he was Managing Director at Menzies Distribution, but left in 2009 to take up a position on the board of First Group PLC. 

Ellis talks about how organisational cultures evolve as a result of the quality and diversity of the individuals employed. He is a captivating and hugely entertaining speaker, who also gives an insight into what it was like to work for the idiosyncratic Mr Murdoch or how the Colombian Minister of Information insisted on hosting 'Millionaire' himself, giving glamorous female contestants a helping hand.

Ellis is known as one of the most inspiring, instinctive and intelligent speakers in Britain. His trademark style incorporates what has been called "colourful invective".

Ellis Watson was the CEO of Syco Entertainment Group, the joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Entertainment. His role involved overseeing the launch of Cowell's X Factor format on US TV network Fox. Previously he was Managing Director at Menzies Distribution, but left in 2009 to take up a position on the board of First Group PLC. 

Before moving up to Scotland he was MD of Mirror Group Newspapers, responsible for five national and 240 regional titles.

Ellis was previously MD at Celador International, in charge of commercial sales of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Under his stewardship the phenomenally successful show was licensed to more than 100 countries, with over 130 consumer products.

Ellis was originally Marketing Director for the Sun and News of the World, reporting directly to Rupert Murdoch. He helped reverse a decline in sales and launched a number of cutting edge initiatives, from brand extensions to Books for Schools.

Ellis talks about how organisational cultures evolve as a result of the quality and diversity of the individuals employed. He is a captivating and hugely entertaining speaker, who also gives an insight into what it was like to work for the idiosyncratic Mr Murdoch or how the Colombian Minister of Information insisted on hosting 'Millionaire' himself, giving glamorous female contestants a helping hand.

Ellis is known as one of the most inspiring, instinctive and intelligent speakers in Britain. His trademark style incorporates what has been called "colourful invective".