Blunt songwriter named head of Epic

The woman who co-wrote 'You're Beautiful' with James Blunt has been named as the new president of Epic Records.

Amanda Ghost will assume responsibility for artists including Jennifer Lopez, Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, as well as overseeing the creative direction and management of the label.

Ghost said: "I'm not a conventional choice as a music business executive.

"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."

Epic Label Group chairman Rob Stringer said that Ghost would help the company be a complete partner with the artistic community in a changing music business.

Ghost released solo album Ghost Stories in 2000 and achieved chart success in 2005 with Blunt's 'You're Beautiful', which was co-written with the singer and Sacha Skarbek.