MUMBAI: FremantleMedia North America CEO Thom Beers will be stepping down as CEO when his contract with the company concludes this summer. EVP current programming Jennifer Mullin and EVP scripted programming Craig Cegielski, who will be promoted to FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) co-CEOs, will replace Beers.
Mullin and Cegielski will report directly into FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz and will also have a seat on the FremantleMedia Operating Board from June this year. Mullin and Cegielski will partner to drive continued creative and strategic growth across all of the company’s key businesses.
Beers said, ”It’s been an unbelievable ride and I’ve been fortunate to build an incredibly talented team. We’ve launched shows in syndication and primetime, premiered our first scripted drama, created Buzzr, the company’s first linear channel, and leaped into the digital content business with Tiny Riot! I’m forever thankful to Cecile for her collaborative style, brilliant leadership and friendship. I couldn’t be more energized about FMNA’s future and I’m proud to pass the baton to two of my favorite powerhouses, Jennifer Mullin and Craig Cegielski.”
Frot-Coutaz added, ”Thom has made great strides for the US business. His extensive expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and innovative approach have opened new roads for the company, while building on its foundation. Jennifer and Craig are perfect successors to Thom. They are passionate, driven experts who will lead the business through the next exciting phase and continue to grow the accomplishments Thom made during his tenure. I can’t thank Thom enough for all that he has done for the company and I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer and Craig as they transition to lead the business.”
Mullin said, ”It’s been wonderful to see FMNA grow and innovate over the past 10 years. I’m so proud of our team, what’s been achieved and what’s ahead. Thom has been a terrific fearless leader and incredibly supportive for the past three years. I thank Cecile for this opportunity and her commitment to drive excellence for the business globally. I feel honored to take the reins at FMNA and partner with the brilliant Craig Cegielski. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
Cegielski said, ”I joined FremantleMedia to lead the scripted business in bold and dynamic programming, defining FMNA’s voice in the community. Over the past two years we’ve launched one series on air and sold over a dozen projects into development, while partnering with some of the greatest talent in the industry. I couldn’t thank Thom enough for his enthusiasm and support; and to Cecile for her ongoing commitment to our ambitions. I have a huge amount of respect for the incredibly talented Jennifer Mullin and I’m looking forward to us taking this company to new heights together.”
