Andrew Llinares is exiting his post as director of global entertainment at Fremantle this spring.
Llinares has been in the post for three years, reporting to Group CEO Jennifer Mullin. Following his departure, the company’s global entertainment segment will report to Mullin on an interim basis. Last year, Fremantle’s entertainment unit delivered 345 commissions and 302 productions across 60-plus territories.
Llinares has had a two-decade association with Fremantle, serving as the original showrunner on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. He also served as showrunner on The X Factor.
“Andrew is a visionary creative,” Mullin said. “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. He has been responsible for developing some of the most iconic and successful entertainment shows ever made. I have proudly watched him nurture new creative formats, bring them to life on screen, and in doing so help unlock talent both behind and in front of the camera. In his current executive position, Andrew has further strengthened Fremantle’s unrivaled portfolio and championed the development of emerging formats, while leading our brilliant Global Entertainment team. 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 added, “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. Fremantle is an exceptional company with exceptional teams around the world, who I believe are the very best in the industry. It has been an honour to work with them all and our amazing Global Entertainment Team—I know our paths will cross again. I’ve loved every moment, but I couldn’t ignore the creative itch to get back to making content myself. Now it’s on to the next creative adventure.”
