Music label puts singer in charge

Amanda Ghost has two Grammy nominations to her name

Epic Records, the home of stars like Michael Jackson and George Michael, has named British singer and songwriter Amanda Ghost as its new president.

Ghost co-wrote hits including James Blunt's You're Beautiful and Beyonce and Shakira's Beautiful Liar.

She has also worked with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Britney Spears after starting her career as a solo singer.

Epic's parent company, Sony, wanted to put the music business "back in the hands of creative talent", said Ghost.

"I'm not a conventional choice as an executive in the music business, but it is testament to the new mood at Sony where content is now king.

"I'm here to draw on my experiences as an artist, songwriter and producer to make the new and existing artists signed to Epic as brilliant and successful as possible."

Ghost has two Grammy nominations to her name, as well as three Ivor Novello awards, the leading UK accolades for songwriters.

Her other credits include co-writing three tracks on Beyonce's latest album, working on The Prodigy's new material and releasing a duet with Boy George, as well as putting out her own albums.

She will be responsible for overseeing the management and creative direction of Epic, which also counts Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, The Fray, The Script and Ozzy Osbourne among its signings.