MUMBAI: FremantleMedia, one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television brands in the world, has appointed Keith Hindle as CEO of its newly created Digital & Branded Entertainment division.

Based in New York, Hindle will craft and lead the digital and branded entertainment strategy for FremantleMedia around the world, reporting to FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz and sitting on the company?s operating board.

In his new role, Hindle, who was formerly CEO, Americas at FremantleMedia?s Enterprises arm, will steer and oversee FremantleMedia?s growing multi-platform business worldwide, with functional responsibility for all digital, sponsorship, social media and YouTube activity, including the company?s original content channels, along with apps, second-screen extensions and online gaming.

Hindle will work closely with digital and sponsorship teams in FremantleMedia?s local territories, and will also sit on the operating boards of FremantleMedia?s gaming company Ludia and its transmedia company @radical.media.

FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, ?The creation of our new Digital & Branded Entertainment function and Keith?s appointment as its CEO underlines our clear focus on furthering FremantleMedia?s position in this space. Keith has unparalleled knowledge of our company and brands, with formidable expertise in crafting and driving commercially successful digital, sponsorship and interactive strategies in the world?s largest TV markets. I?m delighted that he has agreed to take on this new role and spearhead the on-going development of this crucial part of our business worldwide.?

FremantleMedia Digital & Branded Entertainment CEO Keith Hindle said, "This is a very exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of FremantleMedia?s ambitions in digital and branded entertainment. We have a history of innovation around extending the audiences? experiences and interactions with our shows, creating new kinds of entertainment for digital platforms, and working with advertisers and sponsors on best in class opportunities to connect with our viewers. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to build on these capabilities globally with our talented teams around the world."