Ynon Kreiz to Lead Maker Studios

LOS ANGELES: Danny Zappin, the CEO and co-founder of Maker Studios, a provider of multichannel networks on YouTube, is stepping down, to be replaced by former Endemol CEO Ynon Kreiz.

Kreiz, who at one time served as the chief executive of Endemol, has been serving as a chairman at Maker Studios for the last year. He now takes on day-to-day control of the YouTube network, with a mandate to grow the business. Just last month, Kreiz sold his Israeli indie Kuperman Productions to Endemol.

Maker Studios manages more than 10,000 YouTube channels. It has more than 165 million subscribers.

Zappin said of his decision: "As we now prepare to move into the next phase of growth for Maker Studios, I felt it was the right time to make a significant transition. As the former CEO and chairman of Endemol, the world’s largest independent production company, and as the co-founder and CEO of Fox Kids, Ynon has the specific media exec experience that we need to take Maker to the next level….

"While I won’t be responsible for day to day operations, I will remain on the board of directors and will serve in an advisor role to Ynon and the company. I will work very closely with Ynon during this transition phase to make sure everything goes smoothly.

"I love this company and all of you. I’ve always been committed to do what I feel is best for the company and that will never change. This transition is what is best for the company right now. I am confident in my decision. I’m very fortunate to have had the experience of being the CEO of Maker Studios. I also feel lucky to now have the opportunity to hand over the keys to Ynon after a proper amount of time to build a solid relationship, trust and mutual respect. I feel fortunate to have Ynon join the team. I’m very excited about the future of Maker Studios."