Simon Fuller#Business
{{Short description|British businessman and producer}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Simon Fuller
| birth_name = Simon Robert Fuller
| image = sifuller.jpg
| image caption = Simon Fuller in 2022
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1960|5|17}}
| birth_place = British Cyprus
| occupation = Talent manager, television producer, investor, creative consultant
| years_active = 1981–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Natalie Swanston|2008}}
| children = 3
| employer = 19 Entertainment (1985–2010)
XIX Entertainment (2010–)
| website = {{URL|xixentertainment.com}}
}}
Simon Robert Fuller (born 17 May 1960) is a British entrepreneur, artist manager, and film and television producer.{{cite web |title=Simon Fuller |url=https://variety.com/exec/simon-fuller/ |date=16 December 2013 }} He is the creator of the Idols TV format, including the British series Pop Idol and the American series American Idol.
Fuller came to prominence in the 1990s for managing the British girl group the Spice Girls, and he has since managed acts in various fields of entertainment, from sports stars David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton to other musicians such as Amy Winehouse and Annie Lennox.[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/14/broadcasting.pop The man with stars in his eyes] The Guardian. Retrieved 12 May 2024{{cite news |title=Annie Lennox behind the Spice Girls' success, says Simon Fuller |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/14/spice-girls-annie-lennox-simon-fuller |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=The Guardian}}
Since 2020, Fuller has been working with tech firm TikTok to aid development of new TikTok creatives{{Cite news|date=7 August 2020|title=American Idol creator Simon Fuller turns to TikTok talent|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53695911}} and in the same year he announced a partnership with Verizon Communications to develop 5G content.{{cite news|title=Simon Fuller, Verizon Form Pact to Develop 5G Music and Entertainment Experiences (EXCLUSIVE)|magazine=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/simon-fuller-verizon-5g-music-entertainment-1234848401/|access-date=17 December 2020}} In 2021, Pearson PLC announced a partnership with Fuller to create a new global education business in Performing Arts.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-15 |title=Pearson and Simon Fuller join forces to set up Academy of Pop |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/oct/15/pearson-and-simon-fuller-join-forces-to-set-up-academy-of-pop-spice-girls |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} In 2016, Fuller persuaded Swedish quartet ABBA to reunite to explore working in virtual reality,{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/abba-back-together-for-simon-fuller-project-35163890.html|title = ABBA back together for Simon Fuller project| date=26 October 2016 }} which led to the ABBA Voyage project.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58339627|title=ABBA tease major announcement ahead of new music|work=BBC News|date=26 August 2021}}
Time has named Fuller one of the 100 most influential people in the world.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070505050601/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1595332_1616684,00.html The TIME 100: Simon Fuller], Time. Retrieved 3 May 2007 He has been certified as the most successful British music manager of all time by Billboard. Fuller received the 2,441st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 23 May 2011.[http://www.walkoffame.com/simon-fuller Simon Fuller: Hollywood Walk of Fame] WalkofFame.com. Retrieved 15 June 2011 In 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Brighton in his home county East Sussex in recognition for his "contribution to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy". The 2020 Sunday Times Rich List estimated Fuller's wealth at £445 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18455350.sussexs-richest-people---made-money/|title=Sussex's richest people – and how they made their money|date=17 May 2020|access-date=15 March 2022|work=The Argus}}
Biography
Fuller was born on 17 May 1960 in British Cyprus,{{cite news|title=This man wants to rule the world|author=Geoffrey Wansell|date=18 April 2002|newspaper=London Evening Standard|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/music/this-man-wants-to-rule-the-world-6320518.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505063135/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/music/this-man-wants-to-rule-the-world-6320518.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=4 May 2012}} though later the family moved to Accra, Ghana where his father was the headmaster of the British Military School, Burma Camp. The family moved back to Hastings, East Sussex, where Simon's father became headmaster of the school he attended.Marre, Oliver [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/14/broadcasting.pop "The man with stars in his eyes"], guardian.co.uk, 14 January 2007. He has two brothers, Kim and Mark.
Fuller began his career in 1981 at Chrysalis Music Limited in the UK,[http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/05/22/american-idol-creator-simon-fuller-gets-star-on-walk-of-fame "'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller Gets Star On Walk Of Fame"], losangeles.cbslocal.com; retrieved 23 May 2012 where he signed Madonna's first hit 'Holiday' to the company. He started his own management company in 1985, 19 Entertainment,Jamie Doward (27 July 2003). [https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2003/jul/27/artsfeatures "Reign maker"], The Guardian, 27 July 2003; retrieved 23 May 2012. eventually selling the business to CKX, Inc. in a cash and stock deal worth over $200 million in March 2005.[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-08-la-fi-ct-ckx-20100508-story.html CKX chief's departure could set off bidding war for 'American Idol' parent] Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 April 2012 In 2008 the company delivered a profit of $92.5 million (£66m) into the parent company.Sweney, Mark (3 March 2009) [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/mar/03/19-entertainment-profits-soar 19 Entertainment profits soar] The Guardian. Retrieved 11 April 2012 Fuller became a director of CKX, a position which gave him creative control over all of CKX's assets including the Elvis 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-idol-creator-simon-fuller-184131|work=The Hollywood Reporter|author=Georg Szalai|title='American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller's 2010 CKX Compensation: $14.2 Million|date=2 May 2011|access-date=12 May 2012}} XIX Entertainment was given a valuation of $100 million and is run from offices in London and Los Angeles.{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/44f0b088-4e7a-11e0-98eb-00144feab49a.html#axzz1uf4tquGev|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210201206/https://www.ft.com/content/44f0b088-4e7a-11e0-98eb-00144feab49a#axzz1uf4tquGev|archive-date=10 December 2022|url-access=subscription|title=Fuller's XIX now valued at $100m|date=14 March 2011|access-date=11 May 2012|newspaper=Financial Times|author=Matthew Garrahan|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.companiesintheuk.co.uk/ltd/xix-entertainment|title=XIX Entertainment Ltd profile|access-date=11 May 2012|publisher=Companies in the UK}}
In February 2008, Fuller was presented with the PGA Award by the Producers Guild of America in Hollywood. At the event he was praised for his creativity, entrepreneurship, and charity work by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and current King Charles III, who was still the Prince of Wales at the time, who also thanked Fuller for his support of the Prince's charity The Prince's Trust.
= TV production, formats, technology =
Fuller's first broadcast venture was Miami 7, a scripted TV drama starring the British pop group S Club 7 screened by BBC/Fox Kids in 100+ territories around the world.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/796258.stm|title=S Club reach for the top|access-date=19 May 2012|date=18 June 2000|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC}} Miami 7 launched the careers of several stars including Rachel Stevens, Jon Lee, Holly Willoughby, and Ben Barnes, and the show created a blueprint for the teen-oriented television musicals that followed, including Glee and High School Musical.{{cite magazine |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/us-idol-fuller-idINN1642797120080518|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307055036/http://in.reuters.com/article/us-idol-fuller-idINN1642797120080518|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 March 2016|title=New shows in the works from "Idol" creator |author=Catherine Applefeld Olson |date=18 May 2008 |access-date=19 May 2012 |magazine=Billboard}}
In 2001, Fuller created Pop Idol, a prime time TV show on British television that Maggie Brown in The Guardian states "became a seminal reality/entertainment format".{{cite news |title=The scribbled note that changed TV |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/oct/26/x-factor-cowell-fuller |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=The Guardian}} The show produced instant No 1 chart hits, including for Will Young, whose single "Evergreen" was named by NME magazine in 2012 as the "biggest selling single of the century" in the UK.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/will-young/63667 |title=Will Young's 'Evergreen' revealed as biggest selling single of 21st century |date=8 May 2012 |access-date=19 May 2012 |publisher=NME}} Fuller sold Pop Idol around 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 US, American Idol became a No.1 rated show. The show made stars of its presenter Ryan Seacrest as well as Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul as well as many of its performers including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and others.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624955,00.html |title='American Idol' Judges Set to Return |author=Stephen M. Silverman |author-link=Stephen M. Silverman |date=18 October 2002 |access-date=19 May 2012 |magazine=People |archive-date=1 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001010033/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624955,00.html |url-status=dead }} Over 30 million viewers saw David Cook win the seventh season of American Idol in 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.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-record-122-million-192344 'American Idol': Record 122 Million Votes Cast Following Final Performance Show] The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 August 2011
In 2004, Fuller created teen musical TV series, I Dream. This featured the S Club 7 spin-off band, S Club 8. It also featured Christopher Lloyd of Back to the Future fame. I Dream ended after thirteen episodes, and was panned by critics.{{Cite news |last=Ronson |first=Jon |date=2003-09-27 |title=Wanna be in their gang? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/sep/27/popandrock |access-date=2025-02-11 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
In 2005, Fuller, along with co-creator Nigel Lythgoe, launched So You Think You Can Dance on the Fox network in the US. The show grew over 16 seasons to become a regular summer hit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/801495/so-you-think-you-can-dance-season-16-top-10-photo/|title = Meet 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 16's Top 10 Dancers (PHOTO)| date=5 August 2019 }} In 2012, Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment created a new international format with Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Jamie King named 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.[https://deadline.com/2011/04/simon-fuller-jennifer-lopez-and-marc-anthony-team-with-jaime-king-for-trilingual-reality-series-qviva-the-chosen-125961/ 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
In December 2016, Norwegian state broadcaster NRK announced that it had concluded a deal with Simon Fuller to produce the English language version of Skam; Fuller later announced a deal with Facebook to launch award-winning drama format SKAM Austin in the US in 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/global/facebook-orders-skam-1202593108/|title=Facebook Orders Online Teen Drama 'Skam'|last=Clarke|first=Stewart|date=2017-10-18|work=Variety|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/global/skam-norway-simon-fuller-american-1201937213/|title=Simon Fuller to Bring 'Shame' to American, Canadian Audiences|last=Schwindt|first=Oriana|date=2016-12-09|work=Variety|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-US}}
In 2017, international news media reported on auditions being staged by Fuller's business XIX for Now United, a real time access global pop group being cast in 14 cities around the world.{{Cite news|url=https://urbanasian.com/whats-happenin/2016/12/popgroup-simon-fuller-talks-now-united-and-his-search-inside-mumbai/|title=#PopGroup: Simon Fuller talks 'Now United' and his search inside Mumbai!|date=2016-12-21|work=Urban Asian|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://musica.uol.com.br/noticias/redacao/2016/12/10/sem-glamour-de-reality-dono-da-franquia-idol-busca-estrela-pop-no-brasil.htm|title=Sem glamour de reality, dono da franquia "Idol" busca estrela pop no Brasil|access-date=2018-06-11|language=pt-BR}} In 2019, the London Evening Standard confirmed that BBC One would broadcast Serengeti, a wildlife drama created by Fuller."[https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/serengeti-new-nature-documentary-from-simon-fuller-is-a-dramatic-savannah-soap-a4182586.html Serengeti on BBC One: New nature documentary from Simon Fuller is a dramatic savannah soap]", London Evening Standard. Retrieved 8 October 2019 In July 2020, American media reported that "Serengeti", voiced by Lupita Nyong'o, created by Simon Fuller, was nominated for a Primetime EMMY Award{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/emmys-first-time-nominees-cate-blanchett-lupita-nyongo-octavia-spencer-anna-kendrick-zendaya-full-list-1202996978/|title=Emmys: Cate Blanchett, Lupita Nyong'o, Octavia Spencer, Anna Kendrick, Zendaya Among 42 First-Time Nominees|date=28 July 2020}}
In February 2023, Fuller created a fictional anthropomorphic animal band/dance troupe, The Meeps, whose debut single is "Love Louder".{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/03/meet-the-meeps-an-animated-animal-band-from-the-creator-of-american-idol/|title=Meet The Meeps, an Animated Animal Band from the Creator of 'American Idol'|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|website=Animation Magazine|date=14 March 2023|accessdate=14 March 2023}}
Impact on music culture
Fuller came to prominence in the 1990s for managing the pop group the Spice Girls.[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jan/14/broadcasting.pop The man with stars in his eyes] The Guardian. Retrieved 30 May 2012 He has managed acts including Victoria Beckham, Annie Lennox, S Club 7, S Club Juniors, Now United, Steven Tyler, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Will Young, Emma Bunton, Any Gabrielly, The Future X, Lisa Marie Presley and many more in addition to sports icons Lewis Hamilton and Andy Murray.{{cite news |title=Annie Lennox behind the Spice Girls' success, says Simon Fuller |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/14/spice-girls-annie-lennox-simon-fuller |access-date=8 October 2019 |work=The Guardian}}
In 2008, Fuller was certified as the most successful British music manager of all time by Billboard magazine.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/1987250/Pop-Idol-creator-Simon-Fuller-is-most-successful-British-manager-.html|location=London, UK|work=The Daily Telegraph |title=Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller is 'most successful British manager'|date=19 May 2008}} He has managed the career of Annie Lennox since the release of her multi-platinum album Diva in 1991. He has managed hit songwriters and producers, including Cathy Dennis, who first met Fuller as the singer of D Mob in the 1980s. Under Fuller's guidance, Dennis became the UK's No. 1 female songwriter with a string of hits for artists including Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Pink, Will Young, and others.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2541216/Forgotten-pop-star-Cathy-Dennis-scores-Transatlantic-number-one-as-songwriter.html|location=London, UK|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Anita|last=Singh|title=Forgotten pop star Cathy Dennis scores Transatlantic number one as songwriter|date=11 August 2008}}
Fuller managed the Spice Girls through the peak of their 1990s success and he remains in partnership with the five girls today.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uw0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA78|magazine=Billboard Magazine|author=Domenic Pride|title=19 Records' 21st Century Girls|date=12 June 1999|access-date=12 May 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/pop-svengalis-100m-windfall-7175359.html|title=Pop svengali's £100m windfall|newspaper=London Evening Standard|date=18 March 2005|author=Jim Armitae|access-date=12 May 2012}} 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.{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/leeds/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9377000/9377923.stm |work=BBC News |location=London |title=Spice Girls collection mission for Liz West |date=27 January 2011 |access-date=28 November 2012}}{{cite news |url= http://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a21505/geri-halliwell-spice-girls-story/ |work=Marie Claire |title=My Life as a Spice Girl: Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell (Now Horner) Looks Back at the Beginnings of a Pop Culture Phenomenon |date=12 July 2016 |access-date=17 February 2017}} In 2002, Fuller's company discovered 19-year-old Amy Winehouse, produced her first award-winning album Frank and signed her to Universal Music.{{cite news |title=Simon Fuller thanks Simon Cowell and the Beckhams |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/entertainment-arts-13521596/simon-fuller-thanks-simon-cowell-and-the-beckhams |access-date=31 January 2020 |agency=BBC}}
In 2005, 2006, and 2007, the biggest selling music acts in North America (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Daughtry) were all managed by Fuller.Andreeva, Nellie. (13 June 2011) [https://deadline.com/2011/06/american-idol-creator-simon-fuller-launches-joint-venture-with-chris-blackwell-139307/ "'American Idol' Creator Simon Fuller Launches Joint Venture With Chris Blackwell"], Deadline.com; retrieved on 22 May 2014. In October 2016, Fuller announced a joint venture with the 4 original members of the Swedish supergroup ABBA to create a new digital ABBA.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/abba-reunion-on-the-cards-thanks-to-simon-fuller-project|location=London, UK|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=Abba reunion on the cards thanks to Simon Fuller}} In August 2020, BBC News announced that Fuller had signed an exclusive agreement with tech firm TikTok.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53695911|title=American Idol creator Simon Fuller turns to TikTok talent|work=BBC News|date=7 August 2020}} In 2025 Fuller's longterm partnership with Nick Shymansky's Day One Music management company led to a UK No.1 ands global hit for Lola Young.{{Cite web |title=Island's A&R commitment pays off as Lola Young scores first No.1 single with Messy |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/island-s-a-r-commitment-pays-off-as-lola-young-scores-first-no-1-single-with-messy/091285 |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=www.musicweek.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-24 |title=Lola Young's Messy hits number one: My songs are as real as it gets |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceq9ge90y1lo |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
In 2001, while managing S Club 7, Fuller wanted to put together a spin-off band of ‘mini-me’s’ to support S Club 7 on tour. This resulted in a reality-tv type show, S Club Search, and a new band called S Club Juniors (later known as S Club 8.) The members of the band were aged 10-13. Initially S Club Juniors were only meant to support S Club 7 on one of their tour dates at Wembley Arena; however the Juniors’ proved to be so popular, that they supported S Club 7 on every tour date and later toured alongside them for the S Club United tour. S Club 8 also went on to release seven singles, two albums and a TV show, I Dream.{{Cite web |date=2016-05-04 |title=S Club 8: Where are everyone's favourite tween pop stars? |url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/05/04/s-club-8-where-are-everyones-favourite-tween-pop-stars-5859008/ |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Metro |language=en}}
Fashion activity
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 in Storm Model Management. In 2008, after assembling a highly qualified creative team Fuller launched the Victoria Beckham dress collection at New 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 2014 British Fashion Awards. In 2012, Fuller accompanied Victoria Beckham to launch the business in China.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120929002750/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9431590.htm A very special edition: Simon Fuller managed Victoria Beckham stars as Range Rover’s new designer], Prweb.com (23 April 2012); retrieved 22 May 2014.
In February 2012, XIX Entertainment launched a David Beckham bodywear range in 2,500 H&M stores around the world.[http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2011/07/28/david-beckham-for-hm---bodywear David Beckham H&M Underwear Range & Naked Photoshoot (Vogue.com UK)]. Vogue.co.uk (4 April 2012); retrieved 22 May 2014. This was followed in 2015 when Fuller announced a joint venture with Hong Kong-based Global Brands Group Holding Ltd (787) giving Fuller and Beckham ownership of their own apparel business specifically to develop the David Beckham brand and other consumer products.[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-03/simon-fuller-to-brand-it-like-beckham-in-hong-kong-tie-up.html Simon Fuller to brand it like Beckham in Hong Kong tie-up], bloomberg.com, 3 December 2014; accessed 31 July 2015. 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.[http://ww.wwd.com/menswear-news/mens-designer-luxury/kent-curwen-makes-debut-under-david-beckham-daniel-kearns-10549068 wwd.com]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 16 September 2016; 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.[https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2019/05/10/david-beckham-reportedly-buys-stake-in-his-company-at-150-million-valuation/#164193625e23 “David Beckham Reportedly Buys Stake In His Company At $150 Million Valuation”]. Forbes. Retrieved 8 October 2019
Sport activity
In 2003, Fuller formed a joint venture partnership with British footballer David Beckham and 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.{{Cite web |title=Diageo launches David Beckham and Simon Fuller whisky brand Haig Club globally |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/10/06/diageo-launches-david-beckham-and-simon-fuller-whisky-brand-haig-club-globally |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=The Drum}}{{cite web | url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/05/16/why-david-beckham-owes-much-to-simon-fuller-3766602/ | title=Why Brand Beckham is still a perfect package | date=16 May 2013 }} In 2006 Fuller took on representation of the England football team at Beckham's suggestion{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/mar/06/marketingandpr.19entertainment | title=Simon Fuller wins England contract | newspaper=The Guardian | date=6 March 2006 | last1=Day | first1=Julia }} and the following year Fuller negotiated his five year contract for Beckham to join LA Galaxy.{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/sport-is-where-the-money-is-now-ask-simon-fuller-the-man-behind-the-murray-mint-8697453.html | title=Sport is where the money is now: Ask Simon Fuller, the man behind the | date=9 July 2013 }} In 2013, Fuller and Beckham discussed plans to buy an MLS football team in Miami [http://www.espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1705374/david-beckham-reveals-purchase-mls-miami-franchise?cc=5739 David Beckham reveals purchase of MLS Miami franchise], EspnFc.com, 5 February 2014; retrieved 22 May 2014 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”.{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/30/sport/football/football-david-beckham-club-owner/index.html#:~:text=“When%20I%20signed%20my%20contract,stopped%20playing%2C”%20Beckham%20added | title=David Beckham 'passionate' about being club owner | date=30 October 2013 }}
Later in the same year Fuller and Beckham launched a new global whisky in partnership with British drinks company Diageo.[http://www.diageo.com/en-ie/newsmedia/pages/resource.aspx?resourceid=2203 Resource Item] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234304/http://www.diageo.com/en-ie/newsmedia/pages/resource.aspx?resourceid=2203 |date=26 April 2014 }}, Diageo.com, 8 April 2014; retrieved 22 May 2014. 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbymcmahon/2018/01/29/miamis-day-finally-comes-for-david-beckham-partners-and-fans-as-mls-name-its-25th-team/#73798d5e4fa6|title=Miami's Day Finally Comes For David Beckham, Partners And Fans As MLS Names 25th Team|last=McMahon|first=Bobby|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2007-01-11 |title=Football: Beckham confirms LA Galaxy move |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jan/11/newsstory.europeanfootball |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} The Financial Times reported that Fuller sold his interests in David Beckham's business in 2019 for a reported £50m.{{Cite news |date=2019-05-10 |title=David Beckham pays $50m for full control of his brand business |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5d55d1fa-727d-11e9-bbfb-5c68069fbd15 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5d55d1fa-727d-11e9-bbfb-5c68069fbd15 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2022-11-25}} In 2025, The Sunday Times published an interview in which Fuller explained how he created "Brand Beckham".{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Roisin |date=2025-01-05 |title=How David Beckham got so rich, explained by his ex-manager |url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/celebrity/article/david-beckham-brand-deals-knighthood-qnhrdrbgq |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}
In 2009, Fuller took on personal representation of British No.1 tennis player Andy Murray,[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/7112856/Andy-Murray-banks-on-yoga-and-Simon-Fuller-ahead-of-Australian-Open-final.html Andy Murray banks on yoga and Simon Fuller ahead of Australian Open final], The Daily Telegraph; retrieved 8 June 2012. representing him during his US Open and Wimbledon wins and later helping the player to establish his own business. In March 2011, Fuller was announced as the manager of British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9424301.stm Lewis Hamilton joins Simon Fuller management company], BBC Sport; retrieved 11 April 2012 and surprised many when he moved Hamilton from McLaren and signed him to a long-term contract with the MercedesAMG team. Hamilton won the 2014 F1 World Championship and publicly thanked Fuller for his support.{{Cite web |date=2014-07-25 |title=How Lewis Hamilton's momentous move to Mercedes began in 2006 |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/25/lewis-hamilton-mercedes-mclaren-formula-one |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}
Personal life
Fuller married his long-term partner Natalie Swanston in May 2008, and they have three children.{{Cite web |title=Simon Fuller |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/author/simon-fuller/ |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}
He has a portfolio of property
including properties in Europe, North America, and South America. In 2014, Fuller was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Brighton in recognition for his "contribution to business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy".[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-28591219 Simon Fuller awarded an honorary degree by the University of Sussex], bbc.co.uk; accessed 31 July 2015.
Awards and nominations
- 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Britweek Award{{cite web|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/simon-fuller-to-receive-entrepreneur-of-the-year-award-next-month/|title=Simon Fuller to receive Entrepreneur of the Year Award in L.A next month|date=16 March 2016|work=Music Business Worldwide}}
- 2016 Governor's Award Creative Arts Emmy{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/emmys-american-idol-tapped-2016-920908|title=Emmys: 'American Idol' Tapped for 2016 Governors Award|work=hollywoodreporter.com|date=19 August 2016}}
- 2014 Honorary Degree, University of Brighton{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-28591219|title=Simon Fuller receives Brighton University honorary degree|date=31 July 2014|work=BBC News}}
- 2011 Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/entertainment-arts-13521596|title = Fuller thanks Cowell and Beckham|date=24 May 2011|work = BBC News}}
- 2007 Top Trend Setter, Forbes Magazine{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/style/2007/08/28/trendsetters-influence-style-forbeslife-trends07-cx_lr_0828cool_slide_6.html?thisSpeed=15000 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123134526/http://www.forbes.com/style/2007/08/28/trendsetters-influence-style-forbeslife-trends07-cx_lr_0828cool_slide_6.html?thisSpeed=15000 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2013 |title=In Pictures: The Trendsetters |magazine=Forbes |date=28 August 2007 |access-date=2 May 2010 |first=Lacey |last=Rose}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090508090710/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article5841599.ece "Impresario Simon Fuller shows off talent with $75m performance"], timesonline.co.uk, 4 March 2009
- [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/jun/22/celebrity.media "The 20 most powerful celebrity makers"], The Observer Magazine, 22 June 2008
- [http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=4401 Music Week "Simon Fuller tops Music Week Top 50 most influential people in UK music industry chart"], musicweek.com, 15 July 2003
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20040314104205/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2002%2F09%2F28%2Fbmpop28.xml "The Star Maker"], telegraph.co.uk, 28 September 2002
- [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,1036830,00.html "Pop Idol scores a $1bn hit in US market"], guardian.co.uk 7 September 2007
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Category:British music managers
Category:British television producers
Category:People educated at Hastings Grammar School