M-Net Alum Jan Du Plessis to Lead Primedia Studios

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Africa’s Primedia has set up Primedia Studios, which will be led by Jan Du Plessis as president.

Du Plessis is responsible for overseeing the new division’s strategy around the licensing, creation, development, localization and distribution of entertainment shows and content.He will also drive a succession strategy to ensure that a new generation of talented Black executives rises to management positions within the Primedia group.

He joins Lindile Xoko, chief revenue officer and Primedia Broadcasting CEO, and Victoria Ramabulana, showrunner and project manager, and will report directly to Jonathan Procter, Primedia Group CEO.

Du Plessis retired from his role as director of M-Net earlier this year after almost 30 years at the South African pay-TV broadcaster.

Procter said: “Jan is an exceptionally talented professional who will inspire our company’s next generation of young people as well as our industry’s next generation of leaders. His innovation has created countless opportunities for both audiences and advertisers. For Primedia and the rest of the African continent, this will be a pivotal moment in our industry’s development.’

Procter added: “Our investment in Black talent is an essential component of Primedia’s strategy. Our commitment to transformation is non-negotiable. We have purposefully placed it high on our agenda because we know it will benefit not only our own people but our industry and the continent as a whole.”

Du Plessis said: “We’re confident that international format rights-holders, studios and indies will share our excitement at the launch of Primedia Studios. Our clients and advertisers can expect the best local content, including new and revitalized formats and dedicated marketing support. Marvel discovered that Africa has superheroes, too, and Wakanda can be forever. We want the real character and stories of Africa to infuse everything we do, and we will invest all available resources in the IP that brings these stories to life. By harnessing the power and reach of the Primedia Group, Primedia Studios will be the home of premium-quality Africa-inspired content that will resonate with audiences around the world.”