The Gang’s Back At CKX

Mike Ferrel — the former president of SFX Entertainment — has accepted an equivalent role at Robert Sillerman’s newest venture, CKX. Ferrel was right-hand man to Sillerman during the roll-up years and the announcement brings the old guard back together.

“We are extremely excited that Mr. Ferrel has agreed to take on the position of president of our company,” Sillerman said in a statement. “I have known Mike for a long time, and have worked with him for over 15 years. I can think of no one better suited to help lead and shape the future of CKX.”

The new company kicked things off by purchasing the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, along with the operation of Graceland. Lisa Marie Presley was named an executive consultant and got a slice of the company. The next purchase was 19 Entertainment and, along with it, the proprietary rights to “American Idol” and all of its worldwide equivalents.

Ferrel was also instrumental in the roll-up of major radio stations that resulted in SFX Broadcasting, which gave Sillerman the purchase power to create SFX Entertainment.

Sillerman came out of a working retirement to launch CKX in February, taking an abandoned, publicly traded sports company and turning it into the current model.

Rumors preceded him – including that he wanted to roll-up booking agencies or management companies. Instead, the pattern emerging involves image licensing.

Sillerman remains chairman of the board and CEO.