Endemol Shine Names China MD

AMSTERDAM/BEIJING: William Tan is leaving Viacom International Media Networks to take up the role of managing director of Endemol Shine China, beginning this April.

Tan is currently the general manager and VP of Viacom International Media Networks Greater China. At Endemol Shine China, which has offices in Beijing and Shanghai, Tan will oversee a business that includes Your Face Sounds Familiar for Hunan TV, The Brain for Jiangsu TV and the first-ever Chinese version of Big Brother for Youku Tudou.

“Increasing focus on China is a central part of our growth strategy in Asia and William has the leadership and market expertise to significantly expand and diversify this area of our business,” said Martha Brass, co-CEO of international operations at Endemol Shine Group. “William’s exceptional track record of driving growth across areas including television, digital and commercial is perfectly aligned with our goals in this key market.”

Tan added, “The intention is to continue growing our production and development capabilities to service broadcast and production partners, whilst building on the growth of digital in China. Our long-term ambition will be to develop homegrown creative resources in China and generate locally originated IP for worldwide export.”

Endemol Shine Group is shifting its Hong Kong operations to China and Singapore. Its CEO of Asian operations, Arjen van Mierlo, is stepping down this April. Fotini Paraskakis remains as managing director of Asian operations and will focus on the company's expanding business in Southeast Asia.