FremantleMedia International has announced plans for a new structure for its senior management team, which aims to strengthen central operations, finance functions and increase sales focus for emerging markets.

Bob McCourt, former chief finance officer and director of operations, has been named chief operating officer under the new structure and will help set and implement FMI’s strategic and commercial direction in tandem with Jens Richter, chief executive officer, FMI. McCourt will also oversee all operational and financial aspects of the distribution business. Darren Green will take over for McCourt as financial director.

Georgia Brown has been appointed as senior vice president, scripted, while other changes have been implemented for the global sales force. Haryarty Rahman will now be senior vice president, sales and distribution, Asia; Ganesh Rajaram (executive vice president, sales and distribution, Asia) and Sheila Aguirre (executive vice president, content distribution and format sales, Latin America and Hispanic U.S.) will now report directly to Richter as FMI seeks to grow its activity in the emerging markets. As part of this renewed focus, FMI is also looking to hire a new senior executive for Central and Eastern Europe.

“Since joining FremantleMedia International, I’ve been hugely impressed by the energy and dedication of the sales teams in every corner of the world,” says Richter. “Today’s announcement seeks only to strengthen the team further and recognizes the brilliant work they’ve done so far. I’m delighted to have Bob working side-by-side with me–he’s been a fantastic aide since I joined FMI–while changes to reporting structures reflect our increased commitment to the emerging markets, and the potential opportunities they offer.”