Fox-backed Studio Ramsay Global hires Propagate’s distribution chief

Next Level Chef

Fox Entertainment-backed Studio Ramsay Global (SRG) has made its first senior executive hire with the addition of Propagate Content’s distribution chief.

Cyrus Farrokh becomes SVP of strategy at the LA-based firm, which was launched last year as a joint venture between Fox and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. SRG acquired 100% of Ramsay’s former prodco, the All3Media-backed Studio Ramsay, as part of the deal.

Farrokh will work closely with Ramsay, Fox’s president of alternative & specials, Rob Wade, and SRG CCO, Lisa Edwards, in leading the company’s US operations, business development and global growth strategy.

Cyrus Farrokh

Prior to SRG, Farrokh spent five years as president of distribution at Propagate Content, having launched the company’s international operations in 2017.

He worked on shows including the Kelly Clarkson/Snoop Dogg-hosted American Song Contest, docuseries Hillary, and Running Wild with Bear Grylls, as well as third-party distribution for Showtime, Viacom and Fox’s in-house unscripted studio, Fox Alternative Entertainment.

Before that, Farrokh led sales and acquisitions as SVP at Electus, having had stints at Endeavor, Media Rights Capital and Shine International.

Wade said: “I’ve known and admired Cyrus for many years as he’s represented FAE’s intellectual property with great energy, creativity and aplomb.

“He’s played an invaluable role in growing our presence around the world, and as we mark the first anniversary since SRG’s formation and start building out its leadership team, we’re excited to bring Cyrus in-house to focus his talent, experience and instincts on Gordon’s rapidly expanding content portfolio and growth plans.”

Edwards added: “Given his incredibly strong track record and excellent knowledge and understanding of the television landscape, he’s the perfect addition to our dynamic, prolific team.”

Farrokh said there were “no limits on this ambitious new growth phase as we enter exciting new markets, verticals and business ventures.”

In its first year of operation, SRG has been behind shows including Next Level Chef for Fox as well as next season’s Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, which has been sold as a format to ITV in the UK as part of a wide-ranging production deal. A FAST channel has also been launched on Fox’s AVOD service Tubi.