EXCLUSIVE: Simon Thomas, executive producer of Love Island USA, is leaving ITV America to join Pantheon Media Group.
Thomas, who had been with the company for nearly ten years, and was most recently President of the ITV Entertainment label and Head of International Programming, will become Head of Creative at Pantheon.
It’s a loss for ITV, given that Thomas has shepherded its hit dating format, which broke through with its sixth season on Peacock.
He will report to Jennifer O’Connell, who at the end of last year, was named CEO of Endeavor-backed Pantheon, alongside Steve Michaels as Chairman, in addition to running Velvet Hammer Media alongside Rebecca Quinn.
Thomas will work across Pantheon’s labels, which include Film 45, Done+Dusted, and Texas Crew Productions, and will be focused on global formats.
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O’Connell told Deadline that “this sends a message that Pantheon is in the formats game”.
Thomas was promoted to President of ITV Entertainment and Head of International Programming, in 2022, having previously been EVP, Current Programming, West Coast, ITV America.
In addition to exec producing Love Island USA, he created spin-off Love Island Games for Peacock and sold docuseries Love Island: Beyond the Villa. He also oversaw the international rollout of My Mom Your Dad – ITV’s fastest-growing format since The Voice – working with O’Connell when she ran unscripted for HBO Max, which remade the show in the U.S.
He was also the original showrunner of History’s Forged in Fire and worked on Twin Love for Prime Video, The Four for Fox and Big Brother Australia for Nine Network.
In addition to a number of labels, including its own inhouse Pantheon Studios, the company has a joint venture with Tyler Perry Studios as well as investments in UK-based Ladywell Films, Soho Studios and DARE Pictures.
“Simon’s track record speaks volumes and perfectly aligns with our focus on big, bold, and globally commercial formats,” added O’Connell. “Having worked with him before, I’m genuinely thrilled to reunite in a closer capacity—he’s a true talent, and I know he’ll be a game-changer for our team.”
“Simon’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for Pantheon as we continue to scale our creative ambitions and build fast-moving, creator-led and globally minded content,” said Steve Michaels. “He’s one of the sharpest minds in the business, and in joining Pantheon, he has the best possible platform to push unscripted storytelling further than before.”
“Pantheon has become one of the most dynamic content studios in the business, where you can move quickly, think big and make things happen” added Thomas. “It’s rare to find a place that pairs entrepreneurial spirit with meaningful impact; coming on board is the perfect next step.”
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