FremantleMedia appoints Catherine Mackay New Platforms Division CEO

FremantleMedia has announced the creation of a new content division - New Platforms - to be led by Catherine Mackay, who has been promoted to CEO of this new business.
In this role, Mackay will be responsible for establishing and growing FremantleMedia’s capabilities to create, produce and supply original entertainment for a broad range of new distribution platforms and new devices. Specifically, the division will have the primary responsibility within FremantleMedia for creating and supplying new content to telecom companies, mobile operators, broadband Internet and other platforms. The division’s mandate will include creating content with the potential to be rolled out as global formats for the new platforms, as well as investing in opportunities to build direct-to-consumer entertainment businesses.
Mackay will continue as CEO of Enterprises, the division which comprises the company’s existing ancillary rights and international distribution businesses, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW) and Fremantle International Distribution (FID), respectively. Simon Spalding, CEO, FLW, and David Ellender, Managing Director, FID, will continue to report to Catherine. Catherine will work closely with them in establishing the new division, integrating, supporting and building on the initiatives already being developed within Enterprises and FremantleMedia. Catherine will also continue to manage FremantleMedia’s Technology Investment Fund and to coordinate other technology activities around the company.
Tony Cohen, CEO, FremantleMedia, commented: “I am thrilled that Catherine has agreed to spearhead the company’s efforts to establish a significant global creative business in this new area. Digital technology means that there is a tremendous opportunity for FremantleMedia to entertain viewers via the new platforms as well as our growing core business producing for broadcasters. Catherine has already made an enormous impact on the growth of our business and with her great talent and wealth of experience, she will rapidly strengthen our position as a leading cross-media player. The appointment of a board member like Catherine to run this area demonstrates how important it is now to our future.”
Catherine Mackay added: “This is a great time for leading content creators like FremantleMedia. I relish the opportunity to develop powerful new content and new distribution relationships that will establish us on a global basis outside our traditional market of broadcast television.”
Mackay has been appointed to this position from her previous role as Regional CEO, USA, Australia and Asia & CEO FremantleMedia Enterprises.
She will continue to be based in New York and report to Tony Cohen, CEO, FremantleMedia. She will also continue to be a member of FremantleMedia’s board.
(GB)