Kevin Lingley takes newly created role to oversee tech implementation across the group’s operations

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Matthew Wilson and Kevin Lingley

Fremantle has raided Spotify as it looks to expand its AI capabilities.

Kevin Lingley joins the RTL Group-owned company in the newly created role of executive vice-president of AI and will set its vision for the tech and lead on strategy.

His remit includes building out Fremantle’s AI team and driving innovation and “operational transformation” through the “responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across the business.”

He will work across all areas of the business, integrating AI into Fremantle’s production, distribution and commercial activities.

Lingley joins from Spotify where he served as vice-president, content platform, where he developed the AI-powered platform that delivers Spotify’s catalogue of music podcasts and audiobooks to 650m users worldwide.

Prior to this, Lingley was senior engineer leader for Prime Video at Amazon and principal engineering leader working on Xbox, TV and Music at Microsoft. He has also had stints at Amino, Fluorescent Media, SysMedia, Sony, Virgin Media and Acorn.

Matthew Wilson, Fremantle’s chief legal officer to whom Lingley reports, said the hire marked “a significant step” in Fremantle’s push to incorporate AI usage.

“Kevin’s appointment reflects our ambition to embed AI at the heart of our strategy for both creative processes and operational transformation. His deep expertise and experience will drive new opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and growth, whilst also shaping an approach to AI that is responsible and aligned with our creative values.

“His leadership will be instrumental in integrating AI into our operations, and I look forward to working closely with him on this journey.”

Lingley added: “My focus will be on harnessing AI technology responsibly and innovatively to support our teams, empower creativity, and unlock new opportunities for growth across the business. Fremantle, with its size and global reach, will provide the perfect foundation to shape an AI strategy with creativity at its core.”

Fremantle’s appointment of Lingley comes amid a flurry of AI-fuelled reorganisations as companies look to profit from the fast-moving tech, with Amazon Prime Video last week appointing US boss Albert Cheng to a new role overseeing its efforts.

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