The former Executive VP of Marketing & Communications at Fremantle has been selected to serve as Sr. VP of Brand & Marketing for FOX Television Stations — a role in which he will report to Executive VP of Digital Operations Jeff Zellmer.
Taking the position is Kevin Blanchette, who will oversee brand strategy, creative and audience growth across the 29 broadcast stations under the FOX Television Stations banner. He’ll also handle those tasks for the FOX Local platform and LiveNOW from FOX.
For FTS specifically, Blanchette will serve as the senior creative and marketing leader, setting the groupwide brand and creative vision while developing multi-platform marketing strategies designed to grow audiences and deepen engagement across broadcast, streaming, social, mobile and web. He will lead the company’s Creative & Graphic Production Hub and its Marketing & Growth teams.
“Kevin brings a rare combination of brand-building expertise, creative leadership and a deep understanding of how audiences discover and engage with content across platforms,” said Zellmer. “As we continue to expand FOX Local and our digital businesses while strengthening our local stations, having a unified approach to brand, creative and audience growth is increasingly important. Kevin’s experience building some of television and streaming’s most recognizable brands makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”
At Fremantle, Blanchette oversaw brand strategy, audience growth, communications and cross-platform marketing for franchises including “America’s Got Talent,” “The Price is Right” and “Family Feud.” He also helped expand Fremantle’s FAST and OTT presence.
“Local television has an extraordinary combination of trusted brands, compelling talent and a direct connection to the communities it serves,” said Blanchette. “I’m excited to join FOX Television Stations at a time when there are more opportunities than ever to build on those relationships and reach audiences across platforms. I look forward to working with the teams across FTS to build on the strength of these brands, help them evolve and create a cohesive marketing strategy that supports growth across both our local stations and growing digital platforms.”
Prior to Fremantle, Blanchette served as Head of Hulu Originals Marketing, where he led marketing for the streaming service’s original programming.
Earlier in his career, Blanchette spent 11 years at HBO in progressively senior marketing roles, supporting many of the network’s signature franchises, including “Game of Thrones,” “True Blood,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Girls” and “Silicon Valley.”
