Endemol Shine North America Revamps Execs

Endemol Shine North America has finalized its new executive management structure. The new structure is a result of a joint venture that brings together Endemol, Shine and CORE Media and was announced today by Charlie Corwin and Cris Abrego, the co-chairmen and co-CEOs of the company.

According to Endemol Shine Group, it is now the largest independent production and distribution group in the world. In North America alone, Corwin and Abrego’s teams will oversee a programming lineup of more than 1,000 hours of series across broadcast, cable, syndication and digital platforms. These include Big Brother (CBS), MasterChef and MasterChef Junior (Fox), The Biggest Loser (NBC), Hell on Wheels (AMC), Kingdom (DirecTV), Wipeout (ABC) and nationally syndicated Steve Harvey.

Endemol Shine North America subsidiary production companies include Authentic Entertainment (Knife Fight, Flipping Out), Original Media (Ink Master, Swamp People), True Entertainment (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Vanity Fair Confidential) and 51 Minds Entertainment (Below Deck, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle).

Also part of the Endemol Shine Group family in North America is CORE Media Group, which has a separate capital structure and incorporates world-class development and production operations including 19 Entertainment (American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance) and Sharp Entertainment (Man vs. Food and Property Wars).

“Endemol Shine combines the creative spirit of independence with the global scale of a major studio,” said Corwin and Abrego. “With a wide variety of hit formats and the top international sales operation in the world, our company is fast becoming the destination for innovative talent in scripted, unscripted and digital genres. We are thrilled to announce the incredible new executive team in North America that will help lead our company into the future.”

The new executive lineup:

Ben Samek has been named chief operating officer for Endemol Shine North America. Samek, who was formerly COO for Endemol North America, reports to both Abrego and Corwin.

Eden Gaha will serve as president, unscripted television, Endemol Shine USA. Gaha, who was previously President, Unscripted Television, Shine America, will report to Abrego and Corwin.

Rob Smith, who has been executive vice president, creative affairs, has been promoted to the position of executive vice president, head of unscripted television, and will work alongside, and report to, Gaha.

Vivi Zigler, who was previously president, Shine 360° & Digital, Shine America, has been named president, digital, brand and audience development, Endemol Shine North America and will report to Abrego and Corwin.

Will Keenan will remain president, Endemol Beyond USA and report to Zigler.

Carolyn G. Bernstein, executive vice president, scripted programming at Shine America and Jeremy Gold, executive vice president, creative affairs, Endemol Studios, will continue in their current roles in the newly merged Endemol Shine Studios. Both Bernstein and Gold will report to Corwin and Abrego.

Philippe Maigret, who played a pivotal role in launching and establishing Endemol Studios and had served as its CEO since August 2011, is stepping down and transitioning into a consultancy role.

John Farrell will serve as general counsel for Endemol Shine North America. Farrell previously served in the same capacity at Endemol USA. Farrell reports to both Abrego and Corwin.

Paul Jennings, who has been Endemol North America’s chief financial officer, will serve in the same capacity for Endemol Shine North America, reporting to both Abrego and Corwin.

Joe Schlosser, who was previously senior vice president, communications at Shine America, has been named Senior Vice President, Communications, Endemol Shine North America, reporting to both Abrego and Corwin.

Denise Rodine, who joined Endemol North America this past year as vice president, human resources, will continue in that role for Endemol Shine North America and report to Samek.

As previously announced, CORE Media Group will continue to retain its own capital structure within the new joint venture, headed by Peter Hurwitz as president.