Fremantle Global Entertainment Exec Chris O’Dell Retires After 19 Years At ‘Got Talent’ Maker

Chris O’Dell, one of Fremantle‘s longest-serving entertainment execs, is retiring from the Got Talent and X Factor company.

He has been at RTL-owned Fremantle since 2007 and left just shy of 20 years of service on October 9. During that time he has worked on shows such as Got Talent, Idol, X Factor and The Price Is Right, and worked closely with major UK talent such as Ant & Dec and Simon Cowell.

O’Dell, who was as most recently Head of Global Entertainment Production, announced his retirement on LinkedIn and this was subsequently confirmed by a Fremantle rep.

Jennifer Mullin CEO at Fremantle said: “Chris joined Fremantle as a flying producer, supporting the seamless execution of our productions across different territories, and went on to become an executive producer before taking on the leadership of our global entertainment production team in 2014.

“Over those 19 years, he has played a hugely important role in bringing some of Fremantle’s biggest and most successful entertainment formats to audiences around the world – from X Factor, Got Talent and Idol to Family Feud, Price is Right, Password and Farmer Wants a Wife. I want to thank Chris for his commitment, expertise and contribution over the last 19 years, and wish him happiness and success for the future and his retirement.”

O’Dell’s exit comes seven months after Ben Crompton replaced Andrew Llinares as Global Head of Entertainment at Fremantle. He’s also the second long-serving Fremantle exec to depart this year following the exit of International and Commercial COO Bob McCourt in July.

“It’s been amazing working with Chris, who is loved by all at Fremantle and beyond,” said Crompton. “The legacy of all the fantastic shows Chris has worked on is a testament to his breadth of knowledge, experience and leadership. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and he will be greatly missed.”

O’Dell began his career in regional TV in the UK and then moved to become a series producer at London Weekend Television, where he worked on the original Blind Date. He went on to become Head of Entertainment Series at ITV Studios predecessor Granada, and then had spells at Objective Television and IMG Media before joining Fremantle in 2007.

“I have also been very fortunate to work with some fabulous on-screen talents, including Cilla Black, Bruce Forsyth, Simon Cowell, Ant & Dec, Bradley Walsh, Matthew Kelly, Tess Daly and countless other stars, both in the UK and around the world,” wrote O’Dell on LinkedIn.

“Just as importantly, I have been a part of some wonderfully talented teams. All with the same goal: to create television that make audiences smile. It’s both a privilege and an emotional wrench to decide to step away from the day-to-day of everything this job demands. I’m sure I’ll miss it, but I’m also sure it’s time for me to start a new chapter.

“I want to thank anyone who has ever helped me over the years. I know TV can sometimes feel like a challenging place, but I also believe the world will never lose its appetite to be entertained by the ideas that you all continue to create. Cherish it.”