MUMBAI: Leading content producer FremantleMedia has appointed Sangeeta Desai to the combined role of chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the company, effective immediately.

In her new role, Desai will be responsible for the management of FremantleMedia?s operations in its corporate centre including financial performance, legal and business affairs, IT, purchasing and procurement, and property.

Desai will be based in London, reporting directly to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia, and will sit on the company?s board of directors.

FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, ?Sangeeta has an exceptional track record of driving strong business growth and operational performance, along with a deep understanding of the media industry and FremantleMedia?s key business areas. She has clear expertise in successfully implementing strategies that substantially increase company value, as well as greatly enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency. Sangeeta?s strategic vision and financial and operational know how will be a formidable asset to FremantleMedia and I am delighted to welcome her to the management team.?

Desai said, ?Joining FremantleMedia presents an exciting opportunity to work with some of the world?s leading entertainment brands and industry figures. I am very much looking forward to taking on the responsibility and challenges of overseeing the operations and financial performance of this global entertainment company. FremantleMedia?s businesses and the teams behind them represent the most innovative and creative in the industry, and I am thrilled to be joining the team.?

Desai formerly held the position of COO at HIT Entertainment where she managed the company?s day-to-day operations, including business development and global brand management, and had global responsibility for revenue functions including TV, brands, consumer products, DVD, and live events/attractions. She also managed offices in London, New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Prior to joining HIT Entertainment, Desai was a Principal at Apax Partners, a private equity firm, where she had responsibility for sourcing, evaluating and executing on investments, working with management teams in the media sector globally with a particular focus on the entertainment and TV production sub-sectors. She has also held positions in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs and with JPMorgan.

Sangeeta Desai graduated with distinction from the University of California, Berkeley with a BS in Business Administration. She holds an MBA with Honours from the Wharton School of Business.