FremantleMedia Finland Gets New Creative Director

HELSINKI: FremantleMedia has named Marika Makaroff to the newly created post of creative director for its operations in Finland, upped from a role as managing director.

Starting April 1, Makaroff takes on her new position, under which she will place a greater focus on creative development and new commercial opportunities. During her time as managing director for FremantleMedia Finald, Makaroff oversaw the launch of local versions of Idols, Got Talent, Farmer Wants a Wife, The Apprentice and Project Runway. The managing director post will be filled by Eerika Vermilä, currently an executive producer at the company.

Makaroff said: “After six highly successful years at FremantleMedia Finland, my new role will allow me to invest more time in the creative side of our business. This is a fantastic new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to concentrating on the development of new ideas and new commercial opportunities for Finland.”

Vermilä added: “I am very pleased to be taking on the role of managing director, and this new opportunity is a way for me to help shape the way FremantleMedia does business in Finland. Marika has been the driving force behind the success of many great formats, and I look forward to working alongside her as well as stepping-up to the challenge of continuing her good work.”

Daniela Matei, CEO for Nordics, Central Eastern Europe and Balkans at FremantleMedia, commented: “Since joining FremantleMedia, Marika has done an excellent job in helping establish and develop formats within the Finnish market. In her new position she will be able to make even greater use of her creative talents, and I am confident she will continue to grow the business in new and exciting ways.”

She continued, “Executive producer Eerika Vermilä will be perfectly suited to the role of managing director at FremantleMedia Finland. Since she joined the company in 2008 Eerika has been an exceptional lead within production and her background in both drama and entertainment production places her as the perfect candidate to fill the role.”