Long one of the music industry’s most powerful and respected executives in music, L.A. Reid had an eventful 2011 that could prove to have ongoing ramifications in the world of entertainment. Reid departed Island Def Jam early in the year, an early ripple in what would be a flurry of activity over the next several months.

In March of 2011, Reid was named a judge on Simon Cowell’s new contest show "X-Factor."

In June, Reid was named the chairman of the restructured Epic Label Group, a group that will include Jive Records. "L.A. is one of the only people inside that company that has his finger on the hip hop music scene," said a label insider about Reid’s appointment. "And if you look at the Billboard Top 20, that’s what it’s all about."

The move reunites Reid with stars like Usher, Pink and possibly Ciara, whom were formerly affiliated with Reid’s old Laface label. It also could mean a reunion for famed hip hop duo Outkast, who’s early careers were shepherded by none other than L.A. Reid.