Keith Hindle Named FremantleMedia CEO of Digital & Branded Entertainment

Related: FreeMantle

FremantleMedia, one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television brands in the world, today announced the appointment of Keith Hindle as CEO of its newly created Digital & Branded Entertainment division. Based in New York, Hindle will craft and lead the digital and branded entertainment strategy for FremantleMedia around the world, reporting to FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz and sitting on the company's Operating Board.

In his new role, Hindle, who was formerly CEO, Americas at FremantleMedia's Enterprises arm, will steer and oversee FremantleMedia's growing multi-platform business worldwide, with functional responsibility for all digital, sponsorship, social media and Youtube activity, including the company's original content channels, along with apps, second-screen extensions and online gaming. Hindle will work closely with digital and sponsorship teams in FremantleMedia's local territories, and will also sit on the Operating Boards of FremantleMedia's gaming company Ludia and its transmedia company @radical.media.

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia commented: "The creation of our new Digital & Branded Entertainment function and Keith's appointment as its CEO underlines our clear focus on furthering FremantleMedia's position in this space. Keith has unparalleled knowledge of our company and brands, with formidable expertise in crafting and driving commercially successful digital, sponsorship and interactive strategies in the world's largest TV markets. I'm delighted that he has agreed to take on this new role and spearhead the on-going development of this crucial part of our business worldwide."

Keith Hindle, CEO of Digital & Branded Entertainment at FremantleMedia said: "This is a very exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of FremantleMedia's ambitions in digital and branded entertainment. We have a history of innovation around extending the audiences' experiences and interactions with our shows, creating new kinds of entertainment for digital platforms, and working with advertisers and sponsors on best in class opportunities to connect with our viewers. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to build on these capabilities globally with our talented teams around the world".

In his previous role, Hindle developed, set and implemented a strategy for FremantleMedia Enterprises' Americas businesses, which included operations in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Latin America and the Caribbean. Hindle increased FremantleMedia's position as a highly creative and successful rights exploitation company and oversaw distribution, home entertainment, brand integration, consumer products, new media and live events. He also led the major multi-platform sponsorship deals for FremantleMedia programmes including Ford, Coke and AT&T for American Idol, and Pepsi and Verizon with The X Factor. Prior to this, he worked at FremantleMedia in London and Germany where he managed international M&A activity, and he has also held positions at Time Warner, Unilever and Shell Oil.