FremantleMedia reorganises, starts consultation with staff

Producer and distributor FremantleMedia is reorganising its business and creating a dedicated Digital & Branded Entertainment unit. The company has started a consultation process with all staff in the affected units while the new structure is implemented.

In the wake of the news, the company told TBI it will work to minimise any job losses. It added that there will likely be new positions created at its new unit.

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) was the division focused on programme sales, digital, licensing and sponsorship. Following a rejig, a new unit, FremantleMedia International and Kids, will be solely focused on distribution and kids and family entertainment.

A new Digital & Branded Entertainment division will be created to focus on the company’s global digital and branded entertainment activities. FremantleMedia said it will announce who will run that unit shortly.

The digital, licensing, sponsorship and ancillary activities previously undertaken by FME will be undertaken by FremantleMedia’s regional production operations.

David Ellender, previously Global CEO of FME, will be CEO, FremantleMedia International and Kids. This is a Board level position reporting directly to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia. Sander Schwartz will continue to lead FremantleMedia’s Kids & Family Entertainment division, reporting to David Ellender.