One of the largest creators and producers of television entertainment brands in the world, FremantleMedia, has appointed Rob Clark to the newly created position of Director, Global Entertainment Development.
In this role, Clark will drive the company’s efforts to create and acquire international entertainment formats.
Clark, who was previously FremantleMedia’s President of Worldwide Entertainment, will be responsible for international format development in the FremantleMedia network, working with entertainment creatives, territory CEOs and Heads of Development. He will set the global entertainment format development agenda and direction for all FremantleMedia companies, as well as manage all global format acquisitions.
He will also work closely with the company’s commercial and brand building arm, FremantleMedia Enterprises, to maximise the ancillary and brand potential of all entertainment formats. Clark will report to FremantleMedia’s CEO, Tony Cohen and will join the FremantleMedia Operating Board, effective immediately.
Says Cohen: “Rob has been vital to our company’s success in developing, producing and rolling out hit entertainment programming worldwide as well as collaborating with partners to acquire and produce top quality formats. FremantleMedia has great creative talent throughout its network, and Rob’s appointment to this new role greatly increases our commitment to development. I am delighted that he will be leading our work to create and deliver inspiring, top entertainment to television audiences around the world.’
Clark adds: “FremantleMedia already has a very strong creative pipeline and I am looking forward to working with our development and entertainment teams worldwide as we intensify our focus on global development. I see enormous potential in extending our significant development expertise even further, to create new entertainment formats that are as successful as our other global hits.’
Clark joined FremantleMedia’s Worldwide Entertainment division in 2003 and has managed a number of the company’s most successful global roll outs including Got Talent, The X Factor, The Farmer Wants a Wife, The Apprentice, Hole in the Wall, Let’s Dance, and Take Me Out as well as the continued success and roll out of the Idols franchise. Clark has also helped in the re-launch of the Goodson back catalogue of game shows including Family Feud, Password and Price is Right.
Clark is a highly experienced producer, programme creator and writer across Primetime, Entertainment, Reality and Comedy genres. He has extensive experience in the UK television industry having previously been Head of Entertainment for Scottish Media Group and Princess Productions as well as Executive and Senior Producer for London Weekend Television, Carlton, HatTrick and Celador. During his career, Clark has worked on many iconic and leading series including Don’t Try This At Home, Surprise Surprise, Popstars, Man O Man, The Likely Lads, Wheel of Fortune, Big Talent Show, Supermarket Sweep, Blind Date, and Beadles About. He also co-wrote and created the sitcom Barbara.
Trish Kinane, who has been Acting President, Worldwide Entertainment, will now take on the post of President, Worldwide Entertainment, reporting to Gary Carter, COO, FremantleMedia.
