Initial Adds Head of Entertainment to Creative Team

Endemol Shine Group’s Initial has appointed Darren Smith as head of entertainment, a newly created position for its creative team.

Smith will be charged with developing and delivering an original slate of entertainment programming. He will work under Mirella Breda, Initial’s managing director, and will collaborate with Catherine Lynch, creative director, to increase the company’s entertainment portfolio.

Smith has held various senior posts throughout his career, including head of comedy entertainment at Twofour, where he executive produced ITV’s Splash. He also served as commissioning editor for entertainment and comedy at Channel 4, where he launched 10 O’Clock Live and Friday Night Dinner.

Breda stated: “Darren brings a stellar track record in creating, producing and commissioning successful comedy and entertainment programming. Together with our Creative Director Catherine Lynch we have a dynamic team in place to deliver the next generation of entertainment hits.”

Smith added: “Initial shows revolve around strong formats with a sense of fun at their heart and I can’t wait to get started on some big new ideas.”