Drama Republic Appoints New Co-CEO

Jude Liknaitzky, chief creative officer and executive producer at Drama Republic, has been elevated to co-CEO alongside Roanna Benn.

Benn and Liknaitzky are currently in postproduction on the TV adaptation of the best-selling novel One Day by David Nicholls for Netflix with Nicole Taylor as the lead writer and showrunner. Together, they developed and produced My Mad Fat Diary seasons one and two by Tom Bidwell, Doctor Foster by Mike Bartlett and Wanderlust by Nick Payne.

Greg Brenman, current co-CEO, will take a co-founder role and stay involved in the growth and development of Drama Republic.

Benn and Liknaitzky said: “We are thrilled to be taking the helm at Drama Republic. As co-collaborators, we have aimed to make shows that have something vital to say about the human condition, as well as being gripping and entertaining, and that will be our ongoing mission. We are so fortunate to have long-standing relationships with writers we adore working with, and we will be stepping out with new shows from them as well as with newer writers that we are very passionate about. Our other key mission will be to support our development and producing team as they grow through the industry, making shows of their own.”

Brenman added: “As we celebrate ten years of Drama Republic, it feels like an optimum time to be taking the company into this new phase. With Roanna and Jude as joint CEOs, I am confident that DR will go from strength to strength. I look forward to dedicating more time to a slate of diverse and exciting projects at Drama Republic.”

Elisabeth d’Arvieu, CEO of Mediawan Pictures, said: “Greg, Roanna and Jude have established Drama Republic as a renowned multi-award-winning company with an exceptional creative vision and incredible premium series. We at Mediawan adore working with them, and the appointment of Jude to co-CEO is the perfect continuation of the strategy that they have developed since they created Drama Republic. Mediawan is thrilled to accompany and share their vision in this key territory and build together this new era to develop exciting projects.”