Global production and distribution group Fremantle has named Katie O’Connell Marsh as the CEO of its new London-based Global Scripted Hub.
O’Connell Marsh was previously CEO of Platform One Media and Gaumont Television and Vice Chair of Boat Rocker Studios.
Her appointment follows the departure of Christian Vesper, Fremantle’s CEO of Global Drama and Film, who exited his post in January 2026.
O’Connell Marsh will lead Fremantle’s newly formed Global Scripted Hub, providing creative, commercial, and strategic direction across Fremantle’s scripted labels.
She is briefed to work closely with local teams to strengthen collaboration, share best practice, and build a connected global scripted business across drama and film.
O’Connell Marsh will oversee Fremantle’s annual scripted investment budget, recommending investment in new projects and selected third-party opportunities. She will also work closely with Fremantle’s commercial and international team on sales forecasts and commercial analysis to support investment decisions.
Fremantle’s scripted credits include Maxton Hall: The World Between Us, My Brilliant Friend, Sandokan: The Pirate Prince, and Sullivan’s Crossing. Its group production companies have credits including Normal People, Shtisel, Pillion, The Hand of God, and Poor Things.
O’Connell Marsh will report to Andrea Scrosati, Chief Operating Officer
(COO) of Fremantle Group and CEO of Continental Europe, with “a dotted line” to Jens Richter, CEO Commercial and International. O’Connell Marsh will also sit on the global leadership team.
Scrosati said: "She is a highly accomplished, passionate, and commercially astute executive with a deep understanding of global audiences and market trends."
Fremantle recently launched its AI label, Imaginae Studios, and unveiled its first project, Art Awakens. 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.
.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
.jpg)
