Andrew Llinares to step down as Fremantle’s director of global entertainment

Andrew Llinares will leave his position as director of global entertainment at European production and distribution giant Fremantle this spring.

Andrew Llinares

Llinares, who is set to return to making programmes, took on the role in early 2023 following Rob Clark’s retirement. He reported to Jennifer Mullin, Fremantle’s group CEO.

Following his departure, the Fremantle global entertainment division and leadership team will report to Mullin on an interim basis.

RTL Group-owned Fremantle credited Llinares with playing a central role in leading and shaping its global entertainment portfolio and format development.

In 2025, Fremantle’s entertainment arm delivered 345 commissions and 302 productions in 62 territories, including Too Hot To Handle for Netflix and Pandora’s Box for RTL.

Llinares’ association with Fremantle as a creative producer and showrunner spans over two decades.

He was the original showrunner on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent during their landmark UK launches in 2004 and 2007 respectively, while heading the Thames/Syco coproduction unit.

In 2011, while based in the US, he served as executive producer and showrunner of The X Factor USA. In 2018, he became exec producer and showrunner of Dancing with the Stars, a format that remains on air with ABC and Disney+.

Mullin said: “Andrew is a visionary creative. I have been extremely fortunate to work closely with him over many years, both in his current leadership role and during his time as a creative executive producer and showrunner.

“He has been responsible for developing some of the most iconic and successful entertainment shows ever made. I have proudly watched him nurture new creative formats, bring them to life on screen, and in doing so help unlock talent both behind and in front of the camera.

“In his current executive position, Andrew has further strengthened Fremantle’s unrivalled portfolio and championed the development of emerging formats, while leading our brilliant global entertainment team.

“I fully appreciate and support Andrew’s decision to return to his real creative passion: making shows again. Although he will be deeply missed, we all wish him the very best for the future, and I am certain our collaboration will continue.”

Llinares said: “Firstly, I want to thank Jennifer Mullin for her friendship, support, and inspirational mentorship – including giving me the opportunity to experience another side of this incredible industry.

“I have been inspired by working within the Fremantle Global Leadership Team and seeing the industry through a wider strategic lens. But I feel the time is right for me to return to my first love: making shows and being creative myself. This has been a very difficult decision.”