UPDATED.Cécile Frot-Coutaz has been named as the new head of Head of YouTube in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
She was previously the CEO of FreemantleMedia, where she had been for 23 years.
In her new role, Frot-Coutaz will report to Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer for YouTube, who said, “Cécile comes with incredible experience in the media industry. Her leadership, guidance, strong network and deep industry understanding will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our partnerships and grow our creator base throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”
RTL Group’s Executive Committee is in constructive talks with Cécile Frot-Coutaz for a smooth transition at the helm of the Group’s global content arm until her departure.
Bert Habets, CEO of RTL Group, says: “I would like to thank Cécile for her extraordinary creative and commercial achievements at FremantleMedia. She has built FremantleMedia North America into the largest operation in FremantleMedia’s global network, serving also as executive producer of hit formats such as American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
“As CEO of FremantleMedia, she has successfully put creativity back in the centre of the company over the past six years. With its expanding slate of high-end drama series and iconic entertainment shows, FremantleMedia is strongly positioned to grow significantly in the future. I regret, but understand Cécile’s decision. All of us wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Born and raised in France, Cécile Frot-Coutaz earned her MBA from the Insead business school in 1994. When Pearson purchased the assets of Grundy Television, Frot-Coutaz was named Corporate Strategy Executive for the newly created Pearson Television.
She then spearheaded the subsequent acquisition and integration of All-American Fremantle into the Pearson Television Group. After a short stint in San Francisco creating online and interactive strategies for Pearson Television, Frot-Coutaz joined the North American headquarters of the newly rebranded FremantleMedia in Los Angeles, where she served as Executive Vice President, Commercial and Operations until her promotion to COO of Production in 2002, and CEO in 2005. In 2012, she was appointed CEO of FremantleMedia, based in London.
