Christian Vesper has announced his resignation as CEO of global drama and film at Fremantle after a decade of leadership. Vesper’s departure marks a significant shift for the company, known for its popular television formats and an expanding portfolio in high-end film production. His tenure saw Fremantle evolve from a reality TV powerhouse into a notable player in the independent film sector.
Vesper joined Fremantle in 2013 after serving at Sundance TV, where he led the network’s international co-productions, including acclaimed series such as Top of the Lake and Deutschland 83. He was recruited by Andrea Scrosati, Group COO and CEO of Continental Europe at RTL Group, to enhance Fremantle’s capabilities in producing premium television series and feature films.
Over the past ten years, the company produced numerous critically acclaimed films, including Poor Things, Bugonia, and Maria. Vesper played a pivotal role in establishing partnerships with various production labels, such as Fruit Tree Productions, co-founded by Emma Stone and Dave McCary, and Nevermind Pictures, established by Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer. His most recent project was the revival of Baywatch for the Fox Network.
In a statement, Vesper expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him during his time at Fremantle. “I would like to thank Jennifer Mullin and Andrea Scrosati for their incredible support, ambition and creative spirit, enabling us to build our film and drama capabilities,” he said. He noted his pride in the company’s achievements, highlighting that Fremantle is set to deliver its 100th film this year.
Following Vesper’s departure, Scrosati will take over his responsibilities on an interim basis. “I would like to personally thank Christian for his unwavering commitment and contribution to Fremantle over the past decade,” Scrosati stated. He emphasized Vesper’s role in establishing the drama and film division, which has become a key component of Fremantle’s business strategy.
Under Vesper’s leadership, Fremantle’s films garnered significant recognition, winning a total of 4 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, and 5 BAFTAs over the last five years. Despite these successes, the broader strategy of parent company RTL Group aimed to elevate the division’s annual revenue to over $3 billion. However, the company has faced challenges, including shifts in the television market, a pullback from global streaming platforms in original acquisitions, and increasing competition from digital content providers like YouTube.
In the first nine months of 2025, Fremantle reported revenues of just over $1.5 billion (approximately €1.35 billion), a decline of 5.1 percent compared to the previous year, and significantly short of the €3 billion target set by RTL Group. This financial context underscores the challenges that Vesper’s successor will face as they navigate the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
The changes in leadership at Fremantle come at a crucial time for the company, as it looks to build on its successes while addressing the competitive pressures in the global media market.
