Production and distribution giant Fremantle has appointed Kevin Lingley as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In the newly created role, Lingley will lead the company’s AI vision and strategy, with a brief to help integrate AI into Fremantle’s operations from production and distribution to commercial activities.
Credit: NicoElNino. Source: Shutterstock.com
Fremantle said he would ensure the “responsible deployment of AI across the business”.
Lingley joins Fremantle from Spotify, where he served as Vice President of the Content Platform. Before this, he was Senior Engineer Leader for Prime Video at Amazon and Principal Engineering Leader working on Xbox, TV and Music at Microsoft. He has also worked at Amino, Fluorescent Media, SysMedia, Sony, Virgin Media, and Acorn.
Lingley reports to Matthew Wilson, Chief Legal Officer at Fremantle. Wilson said: “Welcoming Kevin as EVP of AI marks a significant step in Fremantle’s commitment to responsibly harnessing AI across our business. Kevin’s appointment reflects our ambition to embed AI at the heart of our strategy for both creative processes and operational transformation.”
Lingley added: “My focus will be on harnessing AI technology responsibly and innovatively to support our teams, empower creativity, and unlock new opportunities for growth across the business. Fremantle, with its size and global reach, will provide the perfect foundation to shape an AI strategy with creativity at its core.”
Fremantle produces content in 28 territories across scripted and non-scripted, with credits including Got Talent, My Brilliant Friend, Family Feud, Poor Things, Mussolini: Son of the Century and Too Hot To Handle.
Fremantle’s Global Channels unit consists of more than 20 FAST channels worldwide, including BUZZR and Rig TV.
Production and distribution group Fremantle has launched Imaginae Studios, a new production label designed specifically to harness the power of artificial intelligence. Discover more here.
Google TV upgrades Freeplay streaming service
Google is upgrading its US free streaming service Google TV Freeplay, adding on-demand video to its FAST channel offering.
iPhone users outspend Android users on booming micro-dramas
iPhone users spend around 40% more on micro-drama apps than Android users, according to Omdia research, challenging common assumptions about who consumes and pays for the rapidly growing form of entertainment.
Full IBC2026 conference agenda: Innovators and technology leaders take to the stage
Exploring the three core pillars of IBC2026 – shifting business models, transformative tech, and people and purpose – this year's free-to-attend showfloor content programme will address the biggest issues impacting the global media and entertainment community.
OBS to receive IBC2026 International Honour for Excellence
IBC will present the International Honour for Excellence (IHFE) to Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) – recognising the company’s decades of innovation in live sports production and its far-reaching impact on the global broadcast industry.
ESPN and Disney+ test AI-powered search and discovery tools
Disney-owned platforms ESPN and Disney+ are beta testing AI-powered features designed to help audiences find information and content.



