Cathy Payne to Exit Endemol Shine International

Cathy Payne is leaving her role as CEO of Endemol Shine International (ESI) in early 2020.

Per an internal memo, Payne told Endemol Shine Group CEO Sophie Turner Laing and Wim Ponnet, chief strategy and commercial officer, of her decision several months ago. The recruitment process to replace the ESI veteran is currently underway.

Payne joined Endemol following its acquisition of Southern Star in 2009. “Cathy has rightfully earned her reputation as one of the most highly regarded, commercially astute executives in the business,” Ponnet said in the memo. “Her dedication, tenacity and competitive nature is legendary and her legacy as an all-time Endemol Shine ‘Great’ is assured.”

In the memo, Payne noted, “This has not been an easy decision, but I knew that I wanted 2020 to bring a brand new challenge. I would like to thank Sophie and Wim for being understanding of this when I let them know some months back. And my biggest thanks go to the team.”

Turner Laing added, “Cathy is a simply brilliant sales leader and her contribution has been beyond exceptional. But I’m also respectful of her wishes for a new challenge.”