Gers will lead IMG Entertainment along with London-based Alastair Waddington. Gers, whose Fremantle tenure included work on its signature "American Idol" franchise, will be based in New York.
In addition to searching for new TV hits, he'll look to bolster IMG's programming interests in the digital-media arena, including the Web and wireless spaces, to further monetize the talent IMG represents and the events it operates.
"Olivier's appointment represents another strategic executive appointment at IMG as we transform the company and create a balance between our representation of world-renowned global brands and the creation and ownership of entertainment properties," said Ted Forstmann, Chairman-CEO.
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According to Gers, IMG is "perfectly positioned to work with talent, producers, distribution platforms and advertising partners around the world to create a new breed of entertainment experiences available on multiple screens."
Gers was general manager of FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, where he led efforts to drive revenues for the "Idol" franchise, popular in a slew of countries, via expansion into new business areas.
Previously, Gers founded Odaddy.com, an online community targeting fathers, and consulting firm The Fulcrum Group.