CME Exec Joins Endemol

HILVERSUM, October 8:
Marina Williams is joining Endemol from CME to take up the post of CEO of
Central and Eastern European operations.

Williams will oversee and
expand Endemol’s operations across the region, including in Russia, Poland,
Turkey, Ukraine and Greece. A veteran of the Central and Eastern European
market, with stints at TV-6 in Russia, Bulgaria’s bTV and Studio 1+1, among
other channels, Williams joins Endemol after having served as the executive VP
and a member of the Management Board of CME.

She will work closely with
Endemol’s existing companies in Russia, Poland and Turkey to further build
local output, and set up new production bases across the region. She will also
work alongside the group’s newly appointed chief commercial officer, Tom
Toumazis. Williams takes up the post in January 2009, based in London and
reporting to Marco Bassetti, the COO of Endemol.

“Central and Eastern Europe
is one of the fastest growing TV markets in the world and is one of the focal
points of our growth strategy,” Bassetti said. “It is therefore essential that
we have someone who can operate at the highest level to lead our expansion in
this market. Combining Marina’s exceptional local expertise with Endemol’s
leverage as a global producer and distributor will strongly position us for
further growth across the region.”

Williams added: “Endemol
has already established a significant presence in Central and Eastern Europe
and has a firm grasp of regional market trends such as the strong preference
for locally produced content. By expanding and diversifying the group’s local
output, distribution and geographical presence, our ambition is to make Endemol
one of the principal players in this market.”

—By Mansha Daswani