Murray steps down at BMP

Jonathan Murray is stepping down as chairman of Banijay Group-owned US reality producer Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) and will be replaced by the firm’s current president.

Jonathan Murray

Gil Goldschein will take up the position to allow Murray, who co-founded the company alongside Mary-Ellis Bunim 28 years ago, to “focus more on making television and documentaries and less on managing the company,” Murray said.

Murray will continue to serve as an executive consultant with BMP, overseeing some of the company’s longest-running series, while Goldschein has been elevated to the role of chairman and CEO, reporting to Banijay Group CEO Marco Bassetti.

BMP is the production company behind franchises such as Real World, Project Runway and Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

In his 14 years at the firm, Goldschein has launched BMP Digital, BMP Latin, BMP’s documentary division and, most recently, its New York office. He also played a key role in negotiating Banijay Group’s acquisition of the company in 2010.

Earlier this year BMP shuffled its management team by promoting high-ranking production and business affairs execs John Greco and Noah Solomon, respectively.

“An icon in this industry, Jon Murray is not only one of its leading creative forces but someone who has always understood the importance of building a strong team. We are confident that under Gil’s new leadership BMP is extremely well positioned for the future,” said Bassetti.