FremantleMedia Regional CEO Australia & Asia Ian Hogg announced some senior appointments in key Asian markets as the business steps up its growth in the region.
Award-winning producer Glenn Sims will move to Singapore to become Director of Creative Content, with responsibility for the creative output and sales for the Singapore business. Sims is currently Senior Vice President – Content and Production for FremantleMedia’s Indonesian operations.
In his newly-created role, Sims will be responsible for driving FremantleMedia’s pan-Asian productions, following the unquestionable success of Asia’s Got Talent this year, the company’s regional production which was broadcast in more than 20 countries.
In addition, Paul O’Hanlon, the Managing Director of Asia, will move to a new role as Creative Director – China after taking some personal leave to welcome his first child in September.
In China, O’Hanlon will work closely with new CEO Vivian Yin to drive the continued expansion of FremantleMedia’s China business, particularly looking to leverage the recently signed joint venture between Shanghai Media Group’s BesTV, China Media Capital and FremantleMedia to create and develop entertainment formats for the China market.
Don Keyte, currently FremantleMedia’s Melbourne Managing Director and Director of Business Operations, will move to Singapore as Commercial Production Management Executive. He will report to Simon Rabbitt, FremantleMedia’s Australia Chief Operating Officer, who has now taken on the additional responsibility of Asia.
Commenting on the appointments, Ian Hogg said, “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 calibre 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.”
The current COO of Asia Michelle Landy is stepping down from her role.
“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,” Hogg said.
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 centralised Singapore model. All businesses will report directly to Ian Hogg.
“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,” Hogg said.
“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.”
Sims joined FremantleMedia in 2011 after a successful career as a producer in his native UK and New Zealand. In Indonesia, he consulted to Masterchef season 1 and was appointed Head of Entertainment in 2012 overseeing FremantleMedia’s Masterchef, Indonesian Idol and X Factor Indonesia. The following year he became Senior Vice President of Content and Production, charged with development, localisation and production for FremantleMedia Indonesia.
The appointments are effective immediately.
