Christian Vesper has announced his resignation as CEO of global drama and film at Fremantle, effective immediately. This decision marks the end of a decade-long tenure during which Vesper significantly transformed the company’s approach to high-end television series and feature films.
Vesper joined Fremantle after his time at Sundance TV, where he led the network’s expansion into international co-productions. He was brought on board by Andrea Scrosati, Group COO and CEO of Continental Europe, to enhance Fremantle’s capabilities in producing premium content. Under his leadership, the company evolved from being primarily known for reality formats like American Idol and X Factor to becoming a prominent independent film producer.
During Vesper’s decade at the helm, Fremantle produced notable films including Poor Things, Bugonia, and Maria, alongside successful series such as Musollini: Son of the Century and the Swedish drama Faithless. One of his recent projects involved the revival of Baywatch for the Fox Network.
Vesper expressed pride in his accomplishments, stating, “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together, and the fact we will deliver our 100th film this year underlines the progress made.” He credited Jennifer Mullin and Scrosati for their support and shared vision, which enabled significant growth in Fremantle’s film and drama capabilities.
Scrosati will assume Vesper’s responsibilities on an interim basis. He acknowledged Vesper’s contributions, emphasizing that the scripted portfolio has become a crucial component of Fremantle’s business strategy.
Fremantle’s commitment to expanding its drama division aligned with a broader strategy from parent company RTL Group, aiming to increase annual revenue to over €3 billion. However, the company has faced challenges in achieving this goal, particularly with recent shifts in the television market. In the first nine months of 2025, Fremantle reported revenues of just over €1.35 billion (approximately $1.5 billion), reflecting a decline of 5.1 percent compared to the previous year.
The films developed during Vesper’s tenure have garnered critical acclaim, winning a total of four Oscars, two Golden Globes, and five BAFTAs over the past five years. Despite these successes, the competitive landscape has intensified, particularly with a slowdown in original acquisitions by global streamers and growing competition from platforms like YouTube.
As Vesper embarks on his next venture, the industry will be watching closely to see how Fremantle’s drama and film division evolves under new leadership.
