FremantleMedia names Brazil, Mexico chiefs in restructure

FremantleMedia has named new CEOs for its operations in Brazil and Mexico as part of local restructuring that sees the exit of former Latin American chief Carlos Gonzalez.

Daniela Busoli has been promoted from COO to chief exec at São Paulo-based FremantleMedia Brazil, while Adrián Santucho becomes CEO of FremantleMedia Mexico, US Hispanic and Regional Productions.

The move effectively splits the role managing director, Latin America and Spanish-speaking US Gonzalez performed along language lines, with Busoli overseeing Portuguese-speaking territories and Santucho taking Spanish-speaking business.

A FremantleMedia spokesman told TBI Gonzalez had left the business a few weeks ago to spend more time with his family in Paraguay.

Busoli and Santucho also take on the licensing duties senior VP, Latin America and US Hispanic Jack Alfandary peformed. He has also exited the business.

Both execs will report into FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz. They be responsible of the overall day-to-day running of their respective businesses and will work closely with FremantleMedia International.

Frot-Coutaz has spent much of the year restructuring the FremantleMedia business, which has resulted in the exits of senior execs including David Ellender and Sander Schwartz.

“Both are well-respected executives, and their drive and experience will really help FremantleMedia exploit the many opportunities available to us as we look to grow our business in these incredibly vibrant markets.”

Busoli – the former Endemol Brazil chief who joined FremantleMedia last year – said: “FremantleMedia has incredible brands in its catalogue and I’m really looking forward to continue exploiting these international blockbusters and also developing local content for multiplatforms – no matter how big or small – to see how we can bring the breadth and range of our shows to Brazilian audiences.”

Santucho also joined FremantleMedia from Endemol. He added: “There a number of opportunities for us to develop the FremantleMedia business further, not least in creating iconic shows that can connect and engage with audiences across the Spanish-speaking markets.”

Both execs take up their posts effective immediately.