Calemzuk exits Shine Americas

Emiliano Calemzuk has left his CEO role at News Corp-owned Shine Americas.

The departure was described as “amicable” with Calemzuk planning to take a break from the industry to travel with his family. He joined Shine in 2010 from Fox TV Studios (FTVS), where he had been president since 2007. Shine has no immediate plans to replace him and his team will now report directly into Carl Fennessy, Shine USA’s CEO.

“After a fast-paced and fulfilling decade and a half in executive management roles across business lines and continents I am ready to start a new chapter in my life after travelling this summer with my family,” said Calemzuk.

He was leaving Shine Americas with a strong local management team in place, he added. During his year as CEO, he appointed Howard Owens as sole MD of Shine-owned prodco Reveille and oversaw the appointment of Carl Fennessy as Shine USA chief exec. His departure comes almost a year after News Corp agreed a US$673m deal to buy-out Shine.

“I am thankful to all my colleagues at Shine and News Corporation for the privilege of working together and for their mentorship and collaboration these years,” said Calemzuk.

Deadline reported that he plans to launch his own indie when he returns to the business. Shine Group chairman and CEO Elisabeth Murdoch said Calemzuk “would be missed” but respected his desire to move on and wished him well.

“Emiliano has had a transformative effect on Shine’s US operations since joining in 2010. In restructuring Reveille and establishing Shine Americas he has created an incredible team, equipped to now build on the successes to date and committed to future growth,” she added.

Calemzuk’s former roles include a five-year run as president of Fox International Channels Italy. He was also VP and deputy MD of Fox Latin American Channels and general manager of Fox Kids Latin America. His appointment at FTVS raised some eyebrows in the US, as he had no prior Hollywood experience and was better known on the international circuit.