Fremantle Global Entertainment Exec Chris O’Dell Retires After 19 Years At ‘Got Talent’ Maker

Fremantle executive Chris O’Dell is retiring after 19 years at the global production company, leaving on 9 October just short of two decades’ service. His departure marks the end of a career spanning major entertainment formats and comes as Fremantle’s global entertainment leadership has recently changed.

O’Dell joined Fremantle in 2007 and most recently led its global entertainment production team, a role he took on in 2014. He worked on formats including Got Talent, X Factor, Idol, Family Feud and The Price Is Right, and with presenters and performers such as Ant & Dec and Simon Cowell. CEO Jennifer Mullin and Global Head of Entertainment Ben Crompton praised his contribution; he began his television career in regional UK broadcasting and worked on the original Blind Date.