FremantleMedia UK scouting for CEO after Geater exit

FremantleMedia UK is looking for a new CEO following the news that Sara Geater is leaving the company.

She will depart at the end of the month with Richard Holloway, managing director of FremantleMedia prodco Thames, becoming interim CEO until a replacement is found.

FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot Coutaz told staff of Geater’s departure yesterday.

She said: “Sara has been instrumental in building the new label structure for FMUK, including the recent appointment of Kate Harwood as the Head of the new drama label Euston Films.

“During her tenure we have seen the revival of titles such as Birds of a Feather and Through the Keyhole, the launch of new shows including Suspects, and An Hour to Save Your Life, and the recommissions of The X Factor and BGT. I would like to thank her and wish her well for her future.”

Geater was at FremantleMedia for seven years and was upped from COO to CEO of FMUK four years ago.

In a note to staff Geater said: “I have successfully introduced our label structure, and this move has resulted in substantial benefits to FremantleMedia. FMUK has not only created popular talked about brand new titles, but we’ve also revived some old favourites to great ratings.

“Importantly, we’ve secured recommissions for our major long running series including The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. Having achieved everything I set out to do, it’s the right time to leave and take on a bigger challenge. I wish the team the very best of luck.”