North American Team in Place for Endemol-Shine-CORE Venture

LONDON: Cris Abrego and Charlie Corwin, currently co-chairmen and co-CEOs of Endemol North America, are set to lead the North American operations of the new joint venture that combines Endemol, Shine Group and CORE Media.

Abrego and Corwin will serve as co-chairmen and co-CEOs for North America. They will continue to report to Tim Hincks, the president of the combined venture. The execs will be spearheading the day-to-day operations across Endemol's U.S. activities, in addition to assuming responsibility for Shine America upon completion of the transaction.

Peter Hurwitz will oversee CORE Media as president.

Rich Ross, the CEO of Shine America, is leaving, taking on the role of president of Discovery Channel in January 2015. Alex Mahon, the CEO of Shine Group, will take on the day-to-day responsibilities for Shine America until the new joint venture is formed. It was previously announced that Sophie Turner Laing will serve as CEO of the combined operation.

“Cris and Charlie are exceptionally creative entrepreneurs and leaders who are tremendously respected by the creative community, partners, and colleagues alike,” said Turner Laing and Hincks. “Together with Peter we couldn’t ask for stronger executives to spearhead the venture’s U.S. operations into a new phase of creativity and growth.” 

“We are thrilled by the opportunity to grow these businesses, both creatively and commercially,” said Abrego and Corwin. “Having been part of the team that has laid such a strong foundation over the past few years it's been a privilege to work alongside the most creative, innovative and driven talent and executives in the business; and we’re excited about where we collectively can take this new venture.”

"This is a transformative time in our industry. The new venture will be a magnet for creative talent and presents huge opportunities for the future growth of CORE,” said Hurwitz.

Laing and Hincks added, “We’d like to thank Rich for his leadership of Shine America. His creative talent has led the business through a period of tremendous commercial and creative growth, which has left an indelible mark on the company. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

"As I get ready for my next adventure I can't help but reflect on what has been an incredible experience Shine America has been for me both personally and professionally," said Ross. "I'm proud of the work we have accomplished together and I’m very grateful to the entire Shine family for their collaboration and support over the last few years. I wish them all the best as they embark on this incredibly exciting new era."