Freemantle COO Leaving to Consult for American Idol

Donna Redier Linsk, the COO of Freemantle North America, the company that produces American Idol, has opted not to renew her contract. The executive will exit the company in July to become a consultant at Idol Idol until December.

Over the next few months, Linsk will assist with the changes and help transition the new producing team.

That new production team includes David Hill, who was tapped to oversee Idol for FOX, in the wake of reality honcho, Mike Darnell’s departure. And, Swedish Idol producer, Pers Blankens was hired to take over for fired executive producers, Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. Judges Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson also announced their departures.

Before she was COO at Freemantle, was SVP Business Affairs and Alternative Production for FOX for five years. Freemantle’s then CEO, Cecil Frot-Coutaz brought her to the compnay to oversee production, finance, business and legal affairs for all of their entertainment programming. She was actively involved in day-to-day production of American Idol, The X Factor and America’s Got Talent.

Via Deadline

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Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!