London – FremantleMedia has announced a review of its Enterprises arm, with a plan to create a new global division focused on distribution, and kids and family entertainment. All remaining digital, licensing, sponsorship and other ancillary activities previously undertaken by FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) would be housed within FremantleMedia’s regional production operations. In addition, a new Digital & Branded Entertainment division will be created to focus on the company’s global digital and branded entertainment activities.

As a part of the new planned structure, Global CEO of FME, David Ellender, will be appointed as CEO of FremantleMedia International and Kids, overseeing FremantleMedia’s new global distribution and Kids & Family Entertainment division. Ellender will report directly to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia. Sander Schwartz will continue to lead FremantleMedia’s Kids & Family Entertainment division, reporting to David Ellender. A Head of Digital & Branded Entertainment will be appointed and announced in due course.

“This is a very powerful shift in our company’s structure that we believe will significantly strengthen our core business activities, while also better positioning us to capitalise on growth opportunities for the future. We have a built a formidable expertise in extending our market-leading brands both on and beyond the television screen, through licensing, sponsorship, digital activities and other valuable commercial ancillaries. By transferring these skills into our local production businesses, we create a far more direct and seamless integration between our production efforts and the commercial activity surrounding our hit shows. Not only will this bolster and enhance our creative development process, but it will also give us the ability to manage and grow our brands in a far more holistic way, creating added value and the opportunity for even greater engagement with viewers around the world,” said Frot-Coutaz.