O’Hanlon moves in FremantleMedia Asia rejig

Paul O’Hanlon (left) is swapping his role as managing director of FremantleMedia Asia for a new creative role in China.

The rejig also sees regional COO Michelle Landy step down, and Glenn Sims and Don Keyte move to Singapore for creative and production roles, respectively.

The changes are the latest at FremantleMedia’s operation in Asia, following the hire of Vivian Yin (pictured below right) to run China earlier this month.

When Yin was appointed she was reporting into O’Hanlon. He now becomes creative director, China and will work alongside Yin on the Chinese business. FremantleMedia said O’Hanlon will take on his new creative role after taking some personal leave.

FremantleMedia said O’Hanlon “will work closely with new CEO Vivian Yin (right) to drive the continued expansion of FremantleMedia’s China business”.

Specifically, he will be tasked with getting the most out of the recently-signed joint venture between Shanghai Media Group’s BesTV, China Media Capital and FremantleMedia to create and develop entertainment formats for the China market. He will remain based in Singapore in his new position.

FremantleMedia regional CEO, Australia and Asia Ian Hogg (below left) said: “I am also delighted that Paul has agreed to creatively lead our important joint venture in China. His experience in the region is second to none and as the business continues to expand, having someone of his calibre to work alongside Vivian is something I value enormously.”

Production and distribution giant FremantleMedia is not expected to fill the managing director role vacated by O’Hanlon as it gives more responsibility to each of its country operations in the region. Its offices in India, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand will, the company said, be given greater autonomy, moving away from the centralised Singapore model. All businesses will report directly to Ian Hogg.

Simon Rabbitt, FremantleMedia’s Australia COO, has however been handed an extended regional role and now has responsibility for all of Asia. He will cover the Asia-specific role that Landy had, as well as continuing to have oversight of Australia.

Speaking about Landy’s departure, Hogg said: “Michelle has made an enormous contribution to our Asian companies. On a personal level I would like to thank Michelle for her energy, drive and steadfast loyalty.”

Sims will relocate to Singapore to become director of creative content, with responsibility for content and sales at the Singaporean arm of the business. He shifts to the role having been senior VP, content and production for FremantleMedia’s Indonesian operation.

Keyte will also move to Singapore from FremantleMedia’s Melbourne base, where he has been MDr and director of business operations. In Singapore he will be commercial production management executive reporting to Rabbitt.