Amazon’s head of European originals Georgia Brown steps down after five years

Amazon has confirmed that head of European originals Georgia Brown is leaving today after five years with the company.

Georgia Brown

Brown was the first executive hired by Amazon to lead its original programming efforts in Europe. There is no word yet on her next move.

News of Brown’s departure was first reported by Variety.

“Leaving a role and a team after five amazing years comes with obvious sadness, but in departing my overwhelming emotion is one of excitement for the future of the European originals team and the broader Prime Video business,” said Brown in a note to staff.

During her tenure, Amazon’s European team has grown from a one-person operation to having execs in seven countries across the continent.

With her departure, Brown’s team will now report to Amazon Studios’ head of international, James Farrell. It includes head of UK originals Dan Grabiner, head of German originals Philip Pratt and head of French originals Thomas Dubois.

In the note to her team, Brown added: “The impact of the content and talent you continue to deliver for our customers is not just felt across Europe but around the world and I cannot wait for more of our incredible shows to deliver over the coming months. These titles simply wouldn’t be what they are without your attention to detail, high ambition and dedication, so I want to thank you all for such outstanding work.”

Projects commissioned under Brown include the UK scripted shows Fifteen-Love, Jungle and The Power, French docuseries The Pogumentary and local European adaptations of Amazon’s comedy format LOL and the romantic anthology series Modern Love.

In a memo to staff, Farrell and Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke said: “While the volume of local original titles launching each year continues to increase, under Georgia’s guidance the team has remained steadfast in our commitment to a curated approach, where we are working hand-in-hand with our European producing partners on every project to create the highest quality content and maintaining the strongest relationships with the production community and talent across the region.

“We are sure Georgia will be successful in her next endeavour, and please join us in wishing her continued success.”

Amazon has started a search for Brown’s replacement. It is understood that the company is seeking a direct replacement, and that the structure of the European studio team will remain the same.

Prior to joining Amazon, Brown was the executive VP of global content and coproduction at Fremantle. Before that, she was the senior VP of acquisitions at Shine International.