Home / Arts and Entertainment / Long-Serving Fremantle Exec O'Dell Retires From TV
Long-Serving Fremantle Exec O'Dell Retires From TV
23 Oct
Summary
- Chris O'Dell retired after 19 years at Fremantle, a major entertainment company.
- He was instrumental in global productions like Got Talent and X Factor.
- O'Dell worked with prominent UK talents such as Ant and Dec and Simon Cowell.
Chris O'Dell, a long-serving executive at Fremantle, has retired from the Got Talent and X Factor production company. He concluded his nearly 20-year tenure on October 9, 2026.
During his time at Fremantle since 2007, O'Dell held the position of Head of Global Entertainment Production. He was instrumental in the worldwide success of numerous entertainment formats, including Got Talent, Idol, and X Factor. He also worked closely with high-profile UK talents such as Ant and Dec, and Simon Cowell.
Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin expressed gratitude for O'Dell's significant contributions, highlighting his role in bringing major entertainment formats to global audiences. Mullin praised his commitment, expertise, and leadership over nearly two decades.
O'Dell's departure follows other executive changes at Fremantle, including Ben Crompton replacing Andrew Llinares as Global Head of Entertainment earlier in 2026. Bob McCourt, International and Commercial COO, also departed in July 2026.
Reflecting on his career, O'Dell mentioned his fortunate collaborations with on-screen talents like Cilla Black and Bruce Forsyth, and expressed his pride in the teams he worked with to create entertaining television. He acknowledged the emotional aspect of stepping away but feels it is time for a new chapter.
