Fremantle appoints Katie O’Connell Marsh as CEO of 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.