Thom Beers to Become CEO of FremantleMedia North America

LONDON: Thom Beers, currently the CEO of Original Productions, is taking on the role of CEO at FremantleMedia North America as of September 1.

In his new role, Beers will be based in Los Angeles and report directly to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the CEO of FremantleMedia. He will be responsible for the company’s overall management and business performance. Beers will oversee the development, production and business operations of more than 600 hours of programming.

Beers founded the FremantleMedia-owned Original Productions, where he has also been serving as executive producer, in 1997. The company is behind such hits as Deadliest Catch, Black Gold, Ax Men and Ice Road Truckers.

Frot-Coutaz said: “Thom Beers has a creative vision that has placed Original Productions, the company he founded, at the forefront of the industry. Thom’s multi-award winning combination of experience, innovation and expertise has made Original a dominant force on U.S. prime-time cable networks, and as an existing member of the FremantleMedia family he has a deep knowledge of our people, our company and our operations around the world. Thom is the perfect choice to take the helm of FMNA as it continues to grow, and we are very pleased that he has agreed to build on his successful leadership of Original and take on responsibility for FMNA.”

Beers commented: “I’m very excited to be taking on the challenge of leading FremantleMedia North America. FMNA has an unrivalled position in the largest television market in the world, creating some of the best loved, most successful television shows on the planet. Working closely in all areas with COO Donna Redier Linsk, we hope to strategically grow and expand our reach. The company’s productions and the teams behind them are amongst the most innovative and creative in the industry, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead the company.

“I look forward to working closely with FremantleMedia’s partners and to building on the considerable successes of FMNA.”