Veteran exec has been with RTL Group-owned company for almost two decades
Fremantle’s long-standing head of global entertainment production, Chris O’Dell, is retiring.
O’Dell has been in the role for more than 12 years and with Fremantle for almost two decades in total, working on shows ranging from Idol and X Factor to Take Me Out and Got Talent.
He started out working on Blind Date at London Weekend Television before becoming head of entertainment series at Granada. O’Dell then joined Objective Productions and then IMG Media, departing in 2007 to join Fremantle.
O’Dell wrote on LinkedIn that he had retired on 9 October, adding: ”It’s both a privilege and an emotional wrench to decide to step away from the day-to-day of everything this job demands.
”I’m sure I’ll miss it, but I’m also sure it’s time for me to start a new chapter. I want to thank anyone who has ever helped me over the years. I know TV can sometimes feel like a challenging place, but I also believe the world will never lose its appetite to be entertained by the ideas that you all continue to create. Cherish it.”
Jennifer Mullin, Fremantle chief exec, said: “Chris joined Fremantle as a Flying Producer, supporting the seamless execution of our productions across different territories, and went on to become an executive producer before taking on the leadership of our Global Entertainment Production team in 2014.
“Over those 19 years, he has played a hugely important role in bringing some of Fremantle’s biggest and most successful entertainment formats to audiences around the world – from X Factor, Got Talent and Idol to Family Feud, Price is Right, Password and Farmer Wants a Wife.
“I want to thank Chris for his commitment, expertise and contribution over the last 19 years, and wish him happiness and success for the future and his retirement.”
Ben Crompton, who replaced Andrew Llinares as Fremantle’s global head of entertainment earlier this year, added: “It’s been amazing working with Chris, who is loved by all at Fremantle and beyond.
“The legacy of all the fantastic shows Chris has worked on is a testament to his breadth of knowledge, experience and leadership. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and he will be greatly missed.”
Fremantle has been reshuffling its senior ranks over recent months, with Bob McCourt and Vasha Wallace among those exiting, and Sharon Levy being drafted in to oversee the US and Australia.
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