BET.com–Antonio “L.A.” Reid, the legendary music executive and former chairman of Island Def Jam, has officially made his return to the record business. The industry veteran will join Sony Music as Chairman and CEO of Epic Records.

Reports that Reid would join Epic, which is said to be merging with Jive Records, have been swirling for weeks. Yesterday, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Doug Morris formally announced Reid’s new role at the company.

“L.A. repeatedly has proven over the course of his celebrated career that he knows how to develop world-class artistry,” he said. “We are very happy to have an executive of his talents leading Epic Records as we begin an exciting new chapter of growth for Sony Music Entertainment.”

In his own remarks, Reid said he is looking to lead no less than a revolution while at his new post.

“I look forward with great enthusiasm to joining the Sony Music family, as it affords us the opportunity to build Epic Recordings as the revolutionary music company of tomorrow. We are deeply committed to discovering and developing the next generation of superstars as well as implementing a fresh and innovative business model,” he said.

Reid, who helped shepherd the careers of Mariah Carey, Kanye West and Rihanna turned heads earlier this year when he resigned from Def Jam and joined up with Simon Cowell as a judge on the upcoming FOX music competition series, X-Factor. But speculation was rampant that Reid had an ace up his sleeve and would soon join a new label. Since Sony Music is the label sponsor of X-Factor, there is no conflict of interest between the two new roles