Cam de la Huerta and James Lessell Join Karen Knowles as New Hires for Naked

Naked (a Fremantle label) today announces the appointment of James Lessell as Head of Factual Entertainment and Cam de la Huerta as Head of Formats. They join the recently appointed Karen Knowles as Head of Production.

With an extensive background working across a portfolio of formats, Cam has 25 years’ experience working for some of the UK’s biggest indies and returns to Naked where he executive produced two series of BAFTA nominated The Rap Game UK (BBC Three). Other executive producer credits include The Circle (Channel 4) and The Only Way is Essex (ITV2), while he also served as series editor on Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother (C5), and produced Soccer Aid (ITV) and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (BBC Two). In his new role, Cam will spearhead a portfolio of programming including a brand new, yet to be announced streamer commission.

With more than 20 years’ experience, James has produced some of the UK’s biggest TV shows including The X Factor (ITV), The Only Way is Essex (ITV2) and Big Brother (C5). With a reputation for overseeing new formats, he has helped create and shape shows including Eating with My Ex (BBC Three), Celebs Go Dating (E4) and Jay Blades Home Fix (BBC One). James joins from Bandicoot, where as Head of Entertainment, he oversees new formats, including Supercar Superfam (BBC Three), Peckham’s Finest (ITV Hub) and a plethora of development shows in both the US and UK.

Karen joins from Whisper where she currently oversees branded, documentary, and factual entertainment programmes and has helped grow the business from 57 people to more than 200 in just three years. At Naked, Karen will be managing the companies ever expanding slate alongside Director for Commercial and Operations, Tamara Howe.

Fatima Salaria, Managing Director of Naked says: “Naked is growing at a rapid rate and I’m thrilled Karen, James and Cam are joining team Naked at this exciting time. Karen is an exceptional Head of Production, bringing a wealth of experience, energy and passion and there really is no one better to lead on our ever-growing programme list. James and Cam are best in class – both true creatives who have delivered and worked on some of the best entertainment programmes, they come loaded with fresh ideas and a passion to supercharge our Fact Ent and Format slate”.

Cam de la Huerta says: “Naked are at the forefront of producing innovative, premium, thought-provoking formats so the chance to join their senior team in this new role was irresistible. We share the same values; delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences, an ambition to nurture the very best talent, and a commitment in giving opportunities to foster an inclusive workforce. I look forward to working alongside its powerhouse leadership team and contributing to the future success of this award-winning production company at such an exciting time in the programming landscape”.

James Lessell adds: “It’s a privilege to be asked to join the senior team at Naked. They have an undeniable talent for creating and producing the very best original content and are always pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. I am thrilled to be working with such a super dynamic team and look forward to contributing to their great success in the future”.

Karen Knowles says: “Naked produces an incredible range of shows and with lots of new commissions under way, for a wide range of broadcasters and streamers, it’s an exciting time to join – I can’t wait to get stuck in”.