THR's Women in Entertainment 2012: Power 100

In April, the France native was promoted from CEO of Bertelsmann-owned RTL Group production arm FremantleMedia North America to CEO of all of FremantleMedia, best known for such global TV hits as American Idol and The X Factor. Since moving to London for the post, she has shifted focus from directly overseeing the development and production of more than 600 hours of network, cable and syndicated programming to a more strategic corporate role. "This has been a big year," says Frot-Coutaz, 46. "I had eight weeks to transition -- which in hindsight wasn't nearly enough."

Who gave me my first big break: Greg Dyke. I was his mergers and acquisitions, strategy and business development person for three years. A lot of the deals that built this company were deals I had made for him when he was CEO of the company.

Toughest decision I had to make this year: Deciding to take this new job. Also, the casting of Idol this summer was a long process. And deciding who would replace me in North America!

Favorite way to unwind on the weekend: I'm a big foodie. One of the nice discoveries, after 12 years away from London, is that the food has become a lot better. There are great farmers markets now.

My indulgence: Exercise. If I didn't do that, I probably wouldn't make it through the week. I have a trainer twice a week.

Can't get through my workday without: Cappuccino in the morning.

Most surprising songs on my iPod: My latest download was Bob Marley.

Totally starstruck around: Johnny Depp.

What I'd tell my 22-year-old self about working in Hollywood: "Relax."

Click here to read THR's complete Women in Entertainment list.