Talpa opens new production arm in USA

Simon Jones started his career as a film lawyer and worked in television for over 20 years in companies like ITV and Fremantlemedia, SYCO Entertainment, both in the UK and the US. Jones served as Controller of Business Affairs at ITV, Executive Producer of American Idol with Fremantle and SVP Operations for The X Factor and Got Talent at SYCO. He ran one of the most successful ever UK arena tours based on the X Factor franchise and a live stage version of America’s Got Talent in Las Vegas. In the last two years as COO he helped found SYCO USA.

‘I consider it a real privilege to be working here in Los Angeles at the very heart of the media business. The experience that I have gained on shows such as Idol certainly makes a great fit with the Talpa catalogue. But for me the real attraction is the incredible depth of Talpa's creativity which continually delivers new and exciting TV shows all over the world. It is a fantastic opportunity to work at such a dynamic and ambitious company headed by John de Mol’, said Jones.

Talpa Holding CEO Pim Schmitz added: ‘At a moment like this, people are used to say that they have found the right man for the job. So sorry for the cliche, but Simon is exactly that! We are very happy to announce the appointment of this extremely experienced pro. Simon's experience in traditional television is matched by his skills in the digital and 2nd screen space which will be invaluable in managing our complete library of content. His appointment with Talpa Media USA fits in Talpa’s strategy to have our own production companies in the key markets of the world. Other territories will follow, but of course the US is number one when it comes to that strategy’.

Among other international shows, Talpa’s worldwide formats include The Voice, The Winner Is… and Dating in the Dark.