Posted: Thu., Apr. 23, 2009, 8:00pm PT

Fremantle taps Redier Linsk as COO

Former Fox exec to serve in newly created job

By Michael Schneider

Redier Linsk

"American Idol" producer FremantleMedia North America has tapped former Fox exec Donna Redier Linsk to serve as its first-ever chief operating officer.

In the newly created position, Redier Linsk will handle finance, production, legal and business affairs at FremantleMedia North America. She'll also oversee a variety of responsibilities related to "Idol."

According to CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the position comes as FremantleMedia continues to expand its business and production operations, as well as ventures into new areas of programming.

Redier Linsk will report to Frot-Coutaz, who cited the exec's "talent, experience and insight" in making the hire.

Before she joined FremantleMedia, Redier Linsk spent five years as senior VP of business affairs and alternative production at Fox.

While there, she oversaw business and production issues for series such as "Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance," "Hell's Kitchen," "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" and "Kitchen Nightmares." She also handled specials such as the Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards and Teen Choice Awards.

Also key to FremantleMedia, she oversaw Fox's involvement with sponsorship, benefactors and production related to the 2007 and 2008 "Idol Gives Back" specials, which raised $140 million for charities.

Before Fox, Redier Linsk headed up business and legal affairs for Fox TV Studios' alternative programming department, working on shows such as "The Shield."

Redier Linsk's credits also include a stint at Gaumont Television.

At FremantleMedia, Redier Linsk will work on shows such as "America's Got Talent," "Hole in the Wall," "Family Feud," "The Price Is Right," "The Phone," "Can You Duet" and the "Idol" franchise.