FremantleMedia has appointed Thom Beers as chief executive officer of its North American division. Beers is currently chief executive officer and executive producer at Original Productions, a FremantleMedia subsidiary.

In his new Role, Beers will manage FMNA, overseeing the development, production and business operations of the company’s 600-plus hours of programming.

“Thom Beers has a creative vision that has placed Original Productions, the company he founded, at the forefront of the industry,” says Cecile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive officer, FremantleMedia. “Thom is the perfect choice to take the helm of FMNA as it continues to grow, and we are pleased that he has agreed to build on his successful leadership of Original and take on responsibility for FMNA.”

Beers founded Original Productions in 1997, and FremantleMedia acquired a 75 percent stake in the company in 2009. During his time at Original, the company has won six Primetime Emmy awards and received 24 Emmy nominations for shows like “Deadliest Catch,” “1,000 Ways to Die” and “Storage Wars.”

Prior to founding Original, Beers served as production executive and producer for 11 years at Turner Broadcasting, later holding a similar position in Paramount’s syndicated television division.

“FMNA has an unrivalled position in the largest television market in the world, creating some of the best-loved, most successful television shows on the planet,” says Beers. “Working closely in all areas with COO Donna Redier Linsk, we hope to strategically grow and expand our reach. I look forward to working closely with FremantleMedia’s partners and building on the considerable successes of FMNA.”