Fremantle hires Crackle & Red Box alum to lead global FAST operations

Laura Florence

Fremantle has hired Laura Florence from Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (CSSE) to lead its global FAST operations.

Florence becomes SVP of global FAST channels at the RTL Group-owned producer-distributor and will lead all Fremantle’s strategy out of LA, reporting into Jens Richter, CEO of commercial & international.

She was most recently SVP & GM at CSSE, overseeing Redbox and Crackle+ digital platforms including TVOD, AVOD and FAST.

America’s Got Talent

Fremantle runs 33 FAST channels around the world and was an early adopter to the then-nascent tech with its Buzzr service, which launched in 2015 and offers gameshow brands including Press Your Luck, Family Feud and Password.

The group has since rolled out numerous single IP channels focused on shows such as Baywatch, America’s Got Talent and The Price Is Right, as well as genre offerings including Places And Spaces, Cook Chop Chat, Sleuth and Quip.

TBI revealed earlier this year that FAST revenues are set to reach $12bn by 2027, according to research firm Omdia, with US revenues expected to surpass $10bn by 2027. In Europe, revenues are expected to exceed $1bn by that time.

Richter said: “”This is an integral role as we build out our global FAST strategy and I am thrilled to welcome Laura to the team to join us and lead our ambitious plans.”

Florence added: “I look forward to leveraging the extensive catalogue of fan favorites and expanding their global channel distribution footprint. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to Fremantle’s growth and success.”

Florence’s arrival comes 18 months since Mark Deetjen, Fremantle’s former EVP of global channels and one of the early architects of FAST channels, died aged 50.