MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced the appointment of Patrick Schult as managing director of the company's Asian outfit, Fremantle Productions Asia. 
Previously director of operations, Asia and based in Singapore, Schult takes overall responsibility for the company's production businesses in the region, with immediate effect. He will report to Asia Pacific director of operations Simon Spalding.
Schult succeeds Sue Adams who has decided to leave FremantleMedia after nine years with the company. Adams will step down this month but will continue to work as a consultant until April 2006 to ensure a smooth transition.
Commenting on the announcement, Spalding said: "Sue has been an integral member of the team and I am very sorry that she has decided to leave the company. I am delighted that Patrick has agreed to manage our Asian operation and am confident that, with his wealth of experience, leadership qualities and drive, he is the ideal executive to succeed Sue and further build upon the company's position as a leading player in the region."
Schult added: "I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to manage our Asian production business. I look forward to taking the business to even greater heights and strengthening our competitive position in the marketplace."
Schult was promoted to director of operations in March 2004 from the role of senior VP, production and development, Southern Europe. In this role, he was responsible for operations in FremantleMedia offices across the region, including the production and development of programming in Asia, and in particular, ensuring the smooth roll-out of the Idols format in the region, states an official release.
As senior VP, production and development, Southern Europe, Schult provided creative leadership in the production, development and selling of programmes in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Prior to this, he was general manager, Fremantle Productions Asia and was instrumental in building the production and licensing business in Asia, the release adds.