ITV America’s Simon Thomas tapped to lead creative at Pantheon Media

LA-based Pantheon Media Group has hired former ITV Entertainment president Simon Thomas as head of creative.

Simon Thomas

In the new role, the experienced unscripted producer will be charged with steering creative across the 20-plus labels that sit within the WME Group-backed production group.

He will report to Pantheon CEO Jennifer O’Connell, who was tapped to lead the outfit formerly known as Asylum Entertainment Group in December. At the same time, Steve Michaels moved from the CEO post to become chairman.

Most recently, Thomas was president and head of international at ITV Entertainment, part of ITV’s US-based unscripted group ITV America.

While there, he played a key role in producing and launching Love Island USA (Peacock), as well as creating the franchise’s first spin-off Love Island Games and developing and selling its first docuseries, Love Island: Beyond the Villa.

In addition to the Love Island franchise, he was also involved in the international roll-out of My Mom Your Dad and served as showrunner on Forged in Fire (History).

“Simon’s track record speaks volumes and perfectly aligns with our focus on big, bold and globally commercial formats,” said O’Connell.

Michaels added: “Simon’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for Pantheon as we continue to scale our creative ambitions and build fast-moving, creator-led and globally minded content.”

Pantheon’s roster of labels includes Done+Dusted, Film 45 and Texas Crew Productions.