FremantleMedia Makes Senior Creative Appointments in Asia

SINGAPORE: FremantleMedia has finalized three senior executive appointments in key Asian markets, effective immediately.

Glenn Sims, an award-winning producer and currently the senior VP of content and production for FremantleMedia’s Indonesian operations, has been appointed as the director of creative content, responsible for the creative output and sales for the Singapore business. He will be expected to drive FremantleMedia’s pan-Asian productions.

Paul O’Hanlon, the current managing director of Asia, has been named creative director of China. In his new role, O’Hanlon will work closely with Vivian Yin, the new CEO, to promote the expansion of FremantleMedia’s China business, with a particular focus on leveraging the recently-signed joint venture between Shanghai Media Group’s BesTV, China Media Capital and FremantleMedia to create and develop entertainment formats for the market in China.

In addition, Don Keyte, currently FremantleMedia’s Melbourne managing director and director of business operations, will move to Singapore as the new commercial production management executive. In this role, Keyte will report to Simon Rabbitt, FremantleMedia’s Australia COO, who has now taken on the additional responsibility of Asia.

FremantleMedia’s offices in India, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand will be given expanded autonomy for further investment, resourcing and growth, moving away from the centralized Singapore model. All businesses will report directly to FremantleMedia regional CEO of Australia and Asia, Ian Hogg. Meanwhile, Michelle Landy, the current COO of Asia, is stepping down from her role.

Hogg remarked: “Glenn is an outstanding executive and has been a key contributor to our Indonesian company for several years. He will absolutely flourish in this new expanded role. 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 caliber to work alongside Vivian is something I value enormously. Don has been a successful part of our Australian company’s leadership team for five years. He brings a strong business focus with a deep understanding of production.”

He continued: “Our focus on customers and creative development in Asia with these key appointments allows us to showcase our world-renowned creativity to millions of Asian viewers with content that is made specifically for these markets. There is no doubt that pan-regional local production is on the rise. Glenn and Don will help fuel our growth in Asia with world-class programming and commercial solutions. At the same time, we are giving our individual Asian offices greater independence and control to flex their creative muscle and steer further programming opportunities in their respective markets.”

He added: “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.”