FremantleMedia has announced the appointment of Keith Hindle as chief executive officer of its newly created digital and branded entertainment division.

Formerly CEO, Americas, FremantleMedia Enterprises, Hindle will be charged with leading and crafting the digital and branded entertainment strategy for FremantleMedia around the world. Hindle will oversee all digital, sponsorship, social media and YouTube activity for the brands, including Fremantle Media’s original content channels such as apps, second-screen extensions and online gaming. Hindle will also sit on the board of Ludia, FremantleMedia’s gaming company, and its transmedia company, @radical.media.

“The creation of our new digital and branded entertainment function and Keith’s appointment as its CEO underlines our clear focus on furthering FremantleMedia’s position in this space,” says Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia. “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.”

“This is a very exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of FremantleMedia’s ambitions in digital and branded entertainment,” says Hindle. “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.”