The renowned production company Naked has recently experienced a wave of departures among its senior executives. Tamara Howe, the Director of Commercial and Operations, and Cam de la Huerta, the Head of Formats, are the latest to exit the company. Their departures follow those of James Lessell, former factual entertainment chief, and Fatima Salaria, former Managing Director, who left earlier this year. These departures have undoubtedly left a void within the Fremantle label, raising questions about the company’s stability and future direction.
Tamara Howe, who previously served as the Managing Director of Vice TV EMEA, joined Naked on a three-month contract in 2020. However, she quickly became an essential part of the team and was promoted to Director of Commercial and Operations. During her three-year tenure, Howe showcased her expertise in commercial strategy and played a crucial role in supporting diverse talent within the company. Additionally, she spearheaded initiatives to centralize welfare and casting teams. Her departure is undoubtedly a significant loss for Naked, as her diligence, hard work, and focus on the bigger picture will be sorely missed.
Cam de la Huerta, who worked on notable projects such as The Unofficial Science of Home Alone and a new reality series for a streaming platform, joined Naked last year. However, his time at the company was cut short, departing a few months after Lessell’s exit. Although he expressed excitement about his next challenge, his departure raises questions about the working environment at Naked and its ability to retain top talent. The ever-changing landscape of the industry and the competitive nature of production companies may have played a role in his decision to leave.
The departures at Naked reflect a broader trend of significant changes within the company and its parent organization, Fremantle. Fatima Salaria, the former Managing Director of Naked, left at the start of 2023, further adding to the leadership vacuum. The departure of CEO Simon Andreae at Fremantle UK due to workplace misconduct allegations raises concerns about the company’s overall culture and management practices. These challenges pose a test for Naked and Fremantle as they navigate a landscape that demands innovation, adaptability, and ethical leadership.
Despite the recent departures, Naked continues to work on various high-profile projects. The company is responsible for producing popular BBC shows such as The Apprentice, The Rap Game UK, and Planet Sex with Cara Delevingne. Furthermore, Naked is involved in the development of a reality series for Netflix called Banned Camp, as well as Amazon Prime Video’s Hot Mess Summer, which follows the journey of Brits attempting to manage a pub in Zante. Additionally, the company is working on an untitled non-monogamous dating format for the streaming service Peacock. These projects demonstrate Naked’s determination to maintain its creative momentum and deliver captivating content to viewers.
As Naked navigates through a period of significant change, its future remains uncertain. The company must address the challenges posed by high-profile departures and the ongoing industry-wide competition. It is imperative for Naked to focus on fostering a supportive work environment, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring stability in its management team. Only by addressing these issues head-on can Naked reclaim its position as a leading production company and continue to produce engaging and innovative content for audiences worldwide.