Bassetti takes over at Banijay

Endemol’s former president Marco Bassetti has been appointed CEO of France’s Banijay Entertainment, which has at the same time acquired a 50% stake in the Italian prodco he set up recently.

Bassetti left Endemol 12 months ago after 15 years with the Big Brother producer, whose presence in Italy he established in 1997. He will now be responsible for the international development of Banijay Group, which has been enjoying success with its celebrity diving format Stars in Danger.

The company, which has a presence in 12 countries in Europe as well as the US and Australia, is acquiring half of Bassetti’s firm Ambra Multimedia, giving Banijay a presence in Italy as well.

François de Brugada, who joined Banijay as executive VP when the company was founded in 2008, has been promoted to chief operating officer as part of the rejig.

Banijay Group president Stéphane Courbit said of the appointment: “In five years Banijay’s growth and success has exceeded our expectations and it is time to bring in a strong new presence with the skills and the energy to help us achieve our goal of being one of the top three companies in our industry.

“Marco is one of the most accomplished executives working in television today so along with the whole Banijay family I am thrilled to welcome him to the group and excited to work with him as we continue to grow and expand.”

Bassetti added: “Banijay is one of the most vibrant and exciting multi-national groups operating today. I am very impressed with the levels of innovation and creativity that are already in place and looking forward to working with Stéphane, François, and the very talented people at the head of Banijay’s affiliate companies, both as CEO and through my production entity, Ambra Multimedia.”