Mastiff Denmark Taps Fremantle Alum as CEO

Banijay Nordic’s Mastiff Denmark has appointed Kristian Farcin-Leth as CEO.

Farcin-Leth joins from Fremantle-owned Strong Productions, where he most recently served as CEO. He previously was program director for Mastiff, and also worked with Nordisk Film TV.

In his new role, Farcin-Leth reports to Banijay’s Nordic Group COO, Karoline Spodsberg, and Mastiff’s chairman and Nordic group CEO, Jacob Houlind.

Farcin-Leth is replacing long-serving Mastiff CEO Mads Ulrick Holmstrup, following his decision to step down from the role after 20 years with the company.

Houlind commented: “With unrivalled knowledge of the Danish market having been a cross-genre producer, creator and manager, Kristian couldn’t be better placed to take on the reins of the company. Sitting at the helm of a portfolio of best-in-class talent and formats, there is huge opportunity to further grow the slate of premium programming and build on Mastiff’s existing track record as a market-leading entertainment powerhouse.”

Spodsberg said: “Today, talent and importantly, talent leadership is integral for success. Kristian has both the management profile and experience to strategically nurture Mastiff Denmark’s growth, and genre maturity. We are looking forward to seeing the company prosper under his direction.”

Farcin-Leth added: “Mastiff is led by some of the very best creatives in the business, so it is hugely exciting to be asked to take on this challenge. The range and quality produced across the genres is unparalleled and, I’ll do all I can to help the continued growth and development. I’ve had five wonderful years at Strong, but the scope and ambition of the new role made the return to Mastiff irresistible, and I look forward to strengthening our position for the future. A future that requires us to dare to be modern and creative both in terms of management and development.”