Fremantle's Chris O'Dell Retires After 19 Years
O'Dell, Fremantle's Head of Global Entertainment Production, announced his retirement on LinkedIn; his last day was October 9, 2026.
Chris O'Dell, Fremantle's Head of Global Entertainment Production, has retired after 19 years at the company, with his last day on October 9, 2026. He announced the move on LinkedIn, and a Fremantle representative confirmed it, according to deadline.com.
Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin thanked O'Dell for his role in bringing formats such as X Factor, Got Talent and Idol to global audiences. Ben Crompton, Fremantle's Global Head of Entertainment, praised his legacy.
O'Dell joined Fremantle in 2007 and took on leadership of its global entertainment production team in 2014. His career began in regional television in the UK before he moved to London Weekend Television, where he worked on the original Blind Date.
He later served as Head of Entertainment Series at Granada, a predecessor of ITV Studios, and worked at Objective Television and IMG Media before joining Fremantle.
His exit follows other changes in Fremantle's entertainment ranks. Seven months before O'Dell's departure, Ben Crompton replaced Andrew Llinares as Global Head of Entertainment, and International and Commercial COO Bob McCourt left the company in July 2026.
Quick answers
When did Chris O'Dell leave Fremantle?
His last day at the company was October 9, 2026, after 19 years at Fremantle.
What formats was Chris O'Dell associated with at Fremantle?
Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin credited him with a role in bringing formats such as X Factor, Got Talent and Idol to global audiences.