FremantleMedia Asia announced on May 19 the appointment of FremantleMedia North America executive Michelle Landy to the newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer as the company steps up its investment in Asia.

Reporting to Managing Director Paul O’Hanlon, Landy joins FremantleMedia Asia with a decade’s experience with FremantleMedia across two continents. In her previous New York based role as SVP Legal & Business Affairs, she was responsible for a range of commercial deals and brand extension/licensing matters related to television, digital and lifestyle brands and properties. This included consumer products, technology (interactive/digital/new media), integrated marketing, sponsorship and promotions, live events and gaming, as well as original digital content, brand representations, acquisitions and new business ventures.

Born in Australia, Landy began her career as a lawyer, and worked at FremantleMedia in London before moving to the U.S. business. She has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Monash University in Melbourne.

FremantleMedia Asia Managing Director Paul O’Hanlon said: “Michelle’s appointment enables our business to expand its ability to produce world-class programming and to provide best-in-class commercial solutions to our broad customer base.

“Our Asian operation is going from strength to strength and continues to evolve at great speed with shows like X Factor Around the World, Got Talent, Idols and Take Me Out, just to name a few. Michelle is an outstanding executive. Her invaluable global experience will be a great addition to our Asian operations.

Landy said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Asian company at such an exciting time. FremantleMedia’s global television brands have really resonated with Asian audiences so the potential for further development of these brands and fresh new ideas makes this role very exciting.”

Landy’s appointment is effective on June 23 and she will be based in Singapore.