Initial’s MD Departs, Creative Director Promoted

LONDON: Nick Samwell-Smith, the managing director of the Endemol Shine UK label Initial, has decided to leave the company and will be succeeded in the role by Creative Director Mirella Breda.

Samwell-Smith, who joined Initial in 1997, became the company’s creative director in 2006 before being promoted to managing director in 2013. He will exit the post in May.

Breda, who joined Initial in 2014, will move into the post. Breda’s previous work within broadcasting and production includes stints at the BBC, ITV and RDF.

Sandra Smith, Initial’s head of production since 2011, has been promoted to the newly created role of director of production.

Samwell-Smith said: “I feel very lucky to have had so many fantastic years at such a great company. I want to bow out whilst on a high. During my time here I’ve worked on a huge range of amazing shows, with brilliant people, and I know that Initial’s tradition of creating outstanding entertainment shows will be assured under Mirella’s stewardship. After taking a break I’m looking forward to new adventures.”

Breda added: “I’m going to miss working with Nick enormously. He is a brilliant colleague, collaborator and boss and we all wish him every success in the future. He leaves Initial in great shape. It’s a privilege to pick up the mantle of leading this brilliant company and our extraordinary team.”

Endemol Shine UK’s CEO, Richard Johnston, said: “Nick was the first person I met on joining the company and I’ve seen him grow into a brilliant creative producer, and, more recently, a great leader of Initial. I’m understanding of his wanting to draw a line at this point though and on behalf of the Initial teams and wider group wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do next. I’m delighted that Mirella will be stepping up to head the company moving forward and congratulate Sandra on a richly deserved promotion.”