Talpa Media USA in Production Pact with ITV America

John de Mol’s Talpa Media USA (The Voice, Big Brother) has forged a production partnership with ITV America and also named new co-CEOs.

The strategic partnership will see Talpa’s North American shows produced through ITV America’s infrastructure, while also allowing Talpa to utilize ITV America’s resources.

Emmy-winning executive producer Stijn Bakkers (The Voice) and seasoned TV and music exec Tim van Rongen (The Voice UK) are joining Talpa Media USA as co-CEOs. Based in Los Angeles, they will concentrate on the creation and expansion of Talpa’s global format portfolio in the U.S. David Eilenberg, the president of ITV Entertainment; Adam Sher, the CCO of ITV America; and David George, the president of ITV America, will collaborate with the pair and facilitate on behalf of ITV America.

Bakkers previously served as Talpa Media USA’s chief creative officer from 2011 to 2014. Van Rongen most recently was senior VP of SYCO Entertainment.

Emmy winner Jay Bienstock, who has been the CEO of Talpa Media USA since 2014, is currently negotiating to set up an overall deal with the company.

De Mol remarked: “I’m extremely excited to partner with ITV America in the U.S., which enables us to use their highly proficient infrastructure and resources. With Stijn and Tim at the helm of our U.S. operation, we are well-positioned to further increase our development and production across broadcast, nonlinear, cable and digital platforms—whether it’s long-form, short-form or premium global content that we are known for, like The Voice. From creation to execution, this new partnership provides a great strategic set-up to facilitate the rapidly growing U.S. market with fresh Talpa formats.”

ITV America CEO Brent Montgomery added: “Talpa’s amazing legacy is built on its ability to create big entertainment formats that also reinvent entire genres—it’s a unique formula that continues to resonate with viewers around the world. We’re thrilled to bring the creative and production expertise of ITV America to a partnership designed to mine our respective strengths; we could not be more excited to work together to create and deliver breakthrough content to audiences across any and every platform where they want to experience and connect with it.”