Christian Vesper has announced his resignation as CEO of global drama and film at Fremantle, effective immediately. After a decade at the company, Vesper’s departure marks a significant shift in leadership for the production powerhouse known for both its reality television formats and original scripted content.
Vesper joined Fremantle in 2013, brought in by Andrea Scrosati, Group COO and CEO of Continental Europe, to spearhead the company’s expansion into high-end television series and feature films. His prior experience at Sundance TV included overseeing international co-productions for acclaimed series such as Top of the Lake and Deutschland 83.
Under Vesper’s leadership, Fremantle evolved from a company primarily recognized for shows like American Idol and X Factor into a leading independent film producer. The company has been involved in the production of notable films such as Poor Things, Bugonia, and Queer, as well as high-profile series like Musollini: Son of the Century and Faithless. Most recently, he worked on the revival of Baywatch for the Fox Network.
Vesper expressed gratitude for his time at Fremantle, stating, “After 10 years with Fremantle, I have decided that the time is right to step down from my role as CEO Film and Drama. I would like to thank Jennifer Mullin and Andrea Scrosati for their incredible support, ambition, and creative spirit. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together… Now is the perfect moment for my next adventure.”
In his absence, Scrosati will assume the role of interim CEO of Fremantle’s drama and film division. He acknowledged Vesper’s contributions, stating, “With Christian at the helm, we have established our drama and film business and delivered both consistent success and critical acclaim. Our scripted portfolio today is a key component of our business and recognized across the industry.”
During Vesper’s tenure, Fremantle produced or co-financed over 80 films, which garnered significant accolades, including 4 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, and 5 BAFTAs. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to quality storytelling in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Despite these successes, Fremantle’s ambitious strategy to increase revenue to over €3 billion annually has faced challenges. The parent company, RTL Group, is navigating a shifting television landscape, marked by reduced investment from global streaming platforms and rising competition from platforms like YouTube. In the first nine months of 2025, Fremantle reported revenues exceeding $1.5 billion (€1.35 billion), a decline of 5.1 percent from the previous year and falling short of the original revenue target.
As Fremantle charts its course forward, the impact of Vesper’s departure on the company’s future remains to be seen. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s narrative and film strategy, and the industry will closely watch how Fremantle adapts in the evolving entertainment landscape.
