David Ellender leaves FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia International is looking for a new CEO following the announcement this morning that David Ellender is leaving the producer and distributor after more than a decade.

Ellender is CEO of distribution arm FremantleMedia International and is leaving after twelve years “to pursue new challenges”.

His departure comes after a raft of executive changes at the company with Tony Cohen being replaced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz last year.

A company-wide review took place earlier this year with FremantleMedia International created as one result. The activities of FremantleMedia Enterprises division that Ellender was previously running were assigned to local teams following the review.

Frot-Coutaz said: “During his time at FremantleMedia, as managing director of FremantleMedia International Distribution then for the past six years as Global CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, David played a significant role in shaping and growing FremantleMedia into one of the world’s leading independent media companies.”

She added: “We wish him continued success in all his future endeavours. The announcement of a new head of FremantleMedia International will be made in due course.”

FremantleMedia confirmed that a like-for-like replacement will be made and said it has started the hunt for a new CEO of FMI.

Ellender will leave the company next month.