Fremantle has hired NBCUniversal‘s Ben Crompton as the replacement for the outgoing Andrew Llinares.

Crompton has been named Global Head of Entertainment, reporting to Fremantle CEO Jennifer Mullin, who described him as a “business-minded leader.”

Fremantle recently announced Llinares would step down as Director of Global Entertainment after three years. Mullin had been overseeing the entertainment unit in the interim.

Crompton has been NBCU’s Vice President, International Unscripted since 2023, in a role that saw him lead on the development of formats, IP and third-party projects, and work with international producers and talent.

Prior to that, he launched Lime Pictures’ U.S. operation, where he delivered shows such as Netflix’s Dance Monsters, MTV’s True Love or True Lies, E!’s Dating No Filter and Who Do You Believe? for ABC. He has also held senior creative and strategic roles at Warner Brothers in Australia], Eyeworks in the UK and ITV Studios.

At Fremantle, he will be based in London, as was Llinares.

“It is a great honour for me to be joining Fremantle and to work with Jennifer and such a brilliant team,” said Crompton. “I have long admired Fremantle – a company known for creativity, innovation, and groundbreaking formats. I can’t wait to get started and collaborate with the exceptional talent across the Fremantle business.”

His appointment comes a week after Fremantle introduced entertainment formats featuring HITSTER, Handcuffed, Special Delivery, Hole in One and The Advent Calendar to buyers at the London TV Screenings.

RTL-owned Fremantle’s entertainment catalog includes the likes of The Price is Right, Family Feud, Got Talent, Idol, Masked Singer, Farmer Wants a Wife,The Farm, The X Factor, Who Knew?, The Piano and Too Hot To Handle.