FEG hires ex-Showtime, Turner exec Valerie Meraz for content and acquisitions

Showtime and Turner Networks alumna Valerie Meraz has been appointed as senior VP of content and acquisitions at Fox Entertainment Global (FEG).

Valerie Meraz

In her new role she is tasked with leading FEG’s overarching content acquisition strategy, including the sourcing and negotiation of content across scripted, unscripted, formats and film for worldwide distribution.

Experienced executive Meraz previously worked for premium pay cable, basic cable and digital platforms in the US. She has held senior leadership roles at Showtime, where she served as VP of content acquisitions, Turner Networks, as senior VP content acquisitions and strategy for its entertainment networks, and WarnerMedia.

Her background in the creator economy includes oversight of the creator experience at Instagram, Twitch and TikTok.

Prentiss Fraser, who returned to FEG as president at the start of the year, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Valerie at such a pivotal moment for our global business. Her expertise in content strategy and acquisitions will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our catalogue and deliver exceptional programming to partners worldwide.”

Elsewhere, Fremantle and All3Media alum Kit Yow has been appointed as director of sales for Asia at FEG.

Yow most recently had a two-year stint as VP of distribution for Asia at Fremantle after a near seven-year spell with All3Media International in various roles that culminated in VP of sales for Asia.

In the US, broadcast network Fox has ordered seasons 16 and 17 of cooking competition series MasterChef. Chef and executive producer Gordon Ramsay will return as a host and judge, alongside restaurateur Joe Bastianich and chef and entrepreneur Tiffany Derry.

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment and based on a format created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef is produced by Endemol Shine North America, a Banijay Americas company, and One Potato Two Potato