Andrew Llinares to step down as Fremantle’s Director of Global Entertainment

His departure leaves open one of the leading entertainment production jobs in television.

In 2025, Fremantle Entertainment delivered 345 commissions and 302 productions across 62 territories. Its slate includes The Price is Right, with six international productions on air, Family Feud (28), Got Talent (21), Idol (11), Masked Singer (10), Farmer Wants a Wife (20), B&B of Love (5), The Farm (12), The X Factor (7), Freeze (2), Who Knew? (6), Love Never Lies, and The Piano.

In recent years, Fremantle has also launched new formats, including Too Hot To Handle for Netflix and Pandora’s Box.

Following Llinares’ departure in spring, the Fremantle Global Entertainment division and leadership team will report to Jennifer Mullin, CEO of Fremantle Group, on an interim basis.

Llinares took on the London-based role in January 2023, but his association with Fremantle spans more than two decades. He was the original Showrunner on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent during their landmark UK launches in 2004 and 2007, respectively, while heading the Thames/Syco co-production unit.

In 2011, while based in the United States, he served as Executive Producer and Showrunner of The X Factor USA. He later became Executive Producer and Showrunner of Dancing with the Stars in 2018.

Mullin said: “Andrew is a visionary creative. I have been extremely fortunate to work closely with him over many years – both in his current leadership role and during his time as a Creative Executive Producer and Showrunner… I fully appreciate and support Andrew’s decision to return to his real creative passion – making shows again. Although he will be deeply missed, we all wish him the very best for the future, and I am certain our collaboration will continue.”

Llinares said: “Firstly, I want to thank Jennifer Mullin for her friendship, support, and inspirational mentorship – including giving me the opportunity to experience another side of this incredible industry. I have been inspired by working within the Fremantle Global Leadership Team and seeing the industry through a wider strategic lens. But I feel the time is right for me to return to my first love – making shows and being creative myself. This has been a very difficult decision.”

Christian Vesper recently announced he is to step down from his position as CEO of Global Drama and Film at production and distribution group Fremantle. Discover more here.