Cecile Frot-Coutaz to Exit FremantleMedia

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia, is exiting her post and a process has begun to select a new head of the global content group.

RTL Group’s executive committee said that it is in “constructive talks” with Frot-Coutaz for a “smooth transition” at the helm until her departure. She has run the London-based FremantleMedia since 2012. Frot-Coutaz will go on to head up YouTube’s operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), working with Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s chief business officer, to grow content supply and further strengthen YouTube’s position across the region.

Bert Habets, CEO of RTL Group, said: “I would like to thank Cecile for her extraordinary creative and commercial achievements at FremantleMedia. She has built FremantleMedia North America into the largest operation in FremantleMedia’s global network, serving also as executive producer of hit formats such as American Idol and America’s Got Talent. As CEO of FremantleMedia, she has successfully put creativity back in the center of the company over the past six years. With its expanding slate of high-end drama series and iconic entertainment shows, FremantleMedia is strongly positioned to grow significantly in the future. I regret, but understand Cecile’s decision. All of us wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Frot-Coutaz added: “FremantleMedia has been a lot more than my place of work for the past 23 years—it’s been the place I’ve called home. Decisions like this are never easy, but I know I leave behind a thriving, confident company with a terrific pipeline, dynamic global leadership, a supportive shareholder and, most importantly, a world-class team of creatives. I go on to explore new challenges safe in the knowledge that FremantleMedia’s best days lie ahead.”