Fremantle Hires Katie O’Connell Marsh As Global Scripted Chief
Fremantle has appointed Katie O’Connell Marsh as CEO of its newly created Global Scripted Hub, placing her in charge of creative, commercial and strategic direction across its drama and film labels. The appointment effectively fills the gap left by Christian Vesper, who departed as CEO of Global Drama and Film in January, and signals Fremantle’s effort to build a more connected international scripted business.
O’Connell Marsh will start in August and relocate from the US to London, reporting primarily to Fremantle Group COO Andrea Scrosati. She will oversee the company’s annual scripted investment budget and work on sales forecasts and investment decisions; her past credits include Narcos, Invasion, Hannibal and F is for Family, alongside leadership roles at Gaumont International Television, Platform One and Boat Rocker Studios.
- Katie O’Connell Marsh becomes Fremantle’s global scripted chief.
- She will lead a new drama and film hub.
- The US-based executive will relocate to London in August.
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Fremantle is an international television and film production company, owned by the German media group RTL. It works with production labels in many countries to make dramas, films, entertainment programmes and documentaries for broadcasters and streaming services.
“Scripted” means programmes with planned stories and dialogue, such as drama series and films, rather than unscripted formats including reality shows or game shows. The company is bringing its drama and film operations together more closely through a Global Scripted Hub, which is intended to coordinate creative choices, spending and international sales across its labels.
Katie O’Connell Marsh is a television executive with experience at production companies that make programmes for global audiences. Her new role places her among the senior leaders deciding which scripted projects Fremantle develops, finances and distributes internationally.