Talpa Media USA to Be Run by Former Syco Exec

LOS ANGELES/LAREN: John de Mol is transforming Talpa Media USA, which is based in Hollywood and focuses on the U.S. TV market, into its own independently run production company, led by Simon Jones.

Jones has been tapped to serve as CEO of the U.S. venture. Jones has held roles with companies such as ITV, FremantleMedia and Syco Entertainment. He was the controller of business affairs at ITV, executive producer of American Idol at FremantleMedia and senior VP of operations for The X Factor and Got Talent at Syco. In the last two years, as COO, Jones helped establish Syco USA.

Jones commented, “I consider it a real privilege to be working here in Los Angeles at the very heart of the media business. The experience that I have gained on shows such as Idol certainly makes a great fit with the Talpa catalogue. But for me the real attraction is the incredible depth of Talpa’s creativity which continually delivers new and exciting TV shows all over the world. It is a fantastic opportunity to work at such a dynamic and ambitious company headed by—the almost legendary—John de Mol.”

Pim Schmitz, Talpa Holding’s CEO, added: “At a moment like this, people are used to say[ing] that they have found the right man for the job. So sorry for the cliche, but Simon is exactly that! We are very happy to announce the appointment of this extremely experienced pro. Simon’s experience in traditional television is matched by his skills in the digital and second screen space which will be invaluable in managing our complete library of content. His appointment with Talpa Media USA fits in Talpa’s strategy to have our own production companies in the key markets of the world. Other territories will follow, but of course the U.S. is number one when it comes to that strategy.”