Banijay Group Hires Marco Bassetti as CEO

PARIS: Marco Bassetti, formerly the president of the Endemol Group, has been named CEO of Banijay Group, while François de Brugada is promoted to COO.

Bassetti founded Endemol Italy in 1997. He was the COO of Endemol Group in 2007 and became president in 2009. He took over CEO responsibilities during the restructuring process, but stepped down in April 2012. In his new role, Bassetti will be responsible for the international development of Banijay Group. He will be working to increase the company’s presence in its existing markets while developing business in new territories.

Additionally, Banijay has purchased a 50-percent stake in Ambra Multimedia, a TV production company that Bassetti set up in Italy.

Stéphane Courbit, the president of Banijay Group, commented, “In five years Banijay’s growth and success has exceeded our expectations and it is time to bring in a strong new presence with the skills and the energy to help us achieve our goal of being one of the top three companies in our industry. Marco is one of the most accomplished executives working in television today so along with the whole Banijay family I am thrilled to welcome him to the group and excited to work with him as we continue to grow and expand.”

Bassetti added, “Banijay is one of the most vibrant and exciting multi-national groups operating today. I am very impressed with the levels of innovation and creativity that are already in place and looking forward to working with Stéphane, François, and the very talented people at the head of Banijay’s affiliate companies, both as CEO and through my production entity, Ambra Multimedia.”