Cécile Frot-Coutaz has been named the new CEO of FremantleMedia, replacing Tony Cohen as the head of the company that produces "American Idol," "The X Factor" and "America’s Got Talent," among other shows.
Frot-Coutaz (left) was previously the CEO of FremantleMedia North America, the division of Fremantle responsible for the American hits. Cohen will step down to focus on "non-executive work," the company said.
Fremantle is the content production division of European entertainment network RTL Group.
“After being with the group for 17 years, Cécile has the vision and leadership that are needed to further grow FremantleMedia," Guillaume de Posch, who is co-CEO of RTL Group together with Anke Schäferkordt, said in a statement. "She brings expertise and drive from the largest TV market in the world and combines her creative skills as a producer with a sharp business perspective. I am very happy to welcome her at the helm of RTL Group’s production arm.”
De Posch thanked Cohen for his "outstanding achievements," wishing him, "all the best for the future."
As CEO of FremantleMedia North America, Frot-Coutaz oversees the development, production and business operations of more than 600 hours of programming.Among the titles produced by FMNA are the syndicated "Family Feud," CBS's "The Price Is Right," and TBS' "The Wedding Band."
Born and raised in France, Frot-Coutaz was named corporate strategy executive for the newly created Pearson TV whe Pearson purchased the assets of Grundy Television. She then led the acquisition and integration of All-American Fremantle into the Pearson Television Group. She later joined the North American headquarters of the newly rebranded FremantleMedia in Los Angeles, where she served as executive vice president of commercial and operations. She was named COO of Production in 2002, and CEO in 2005.
In her new position, she will be based in London. Her successor has not yet been named.
