Fremantle UK’s Simon Andreae steps down as CEO after three years

Simon Andreae

Fremantle UK chief Simon Andreae has stepped down as CEO after three years in the role.

The RTL Group-owned company appointed Andreae as CEO of its UK business in 2020 after it fully acquired his production company, Naked Television. He replaced Liam Humphreys.

In a note to staff, Andreae – who reported into Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin – said he was stepping down having faced “some challenges” to his health. He added he will now be focusing on “my family and a smaller portfolio of projects.”

Andreae had overseen all output from Fremantle’s UK labels – Thames, Talkback, Boundless, Euston Films, Hare & Tortoise, Castlefield and his own prodco, Naked. He also had a seat on Fremantle’s global operating board.

Andreae first worked with Fremantle when it took a stake in his unscripted start-up Naked in 2015.

Prior to Naked, Andreae was EVP of alternative entertainment at Fox in Los Angeles, in charge of all unscripted programming, and previously senior vice president of development and production at Discovery Channel.

He’s also a former commissioning editor at Channel 4 and was a founding partner at Optomen Television.

Fremantle confirmed Andreae’s exit to TBI, with the news broken by US trade Deadline.

In his note to staff, the =outgoing CEO said: “I’ve enjoyed a wonderful eight years in the Fremantle family, first helping grow Naked from a start up into one of the most successful unscripted producers in the UK, and latterly having the privilege to support and expand the whole roster of best-in-class FMUK labels.

“As some of you know, I’ve had some challenges to my health along the way and this has led to me taking some time out recently. Now, after thirty straight years on the frontlines of television production, I’ve decided to step back and take some time to focus on my health, my family, and a smaller portfolio of projects. I’d like to thank everyone at Fremantle and wish you every success.”