A. Smith & Co. Alum Joins Endemol Shine North America

Endemol Shine North America has named Christmas Rini, formerly of A. Smith & Co., as executive VP of development for unscripted original series, among other appointments.

In her new role, Rini will oversee all unscripted development efforts while working under Sharon Levy, the president of unscripted and scripted television at Endemol Shine North America. She previously served as executive VP of development at A. Smith & Company.

Emmy-winning producer Michael Weinberg was named executive VP of syndication, a newly created position reporting to Levy. He was formerly senior VP of development at Endemol Shine North America. In addition, Sean Loughlin, who has been with the company since 2005, was elevated to senior VP of unscripted development and will be working under Rini.

“The first six months of my tenure with Endemol Shine have been busy putting together a killer team, ready to create, execute and share amazing content with audiences across all platforms,” said Levy. “With the addition of Christmas, Michael leading our syndication initiatives and Sean’s promotion, I believe we are now poised to smash it.”

Rini noted: “Endemol Shine is the gold standard in unscripted programming and I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of this world-class team. Working with creative juggernauts Cris Abrego and Sharon Levy is a dream come true and I look forward to helping them bring the next wave of innovative and groundbreaking content to the marketplace.”

“I am excited by the opportunities that lie ahead in syndication and I truly love the daily dialogue that exists with syndicated viewers,” stated Weinberg. “Endemol Shine has the international resources to bring proven formats to the U.S. marketplace and our team is currently developing a number of potential syndicated vehicles now.”