Banijay names Italy CEO

Banijay Group has appointed a former Endemol Shine Group (ESG) executive to a newly created role overseeing its operations in Italy and Spain.

Paolo Bassetti

Paolo Bassetti has been named CEO for Banijay in Italy, responsible for overseeing production companies including Magnolia, Nonpanic, Aurora TV, Drymedia, L’Officina, Atlantis and Banijay Studios Italy, which launched in June.

He will also take charge of the business’s operations in Spain, working closely with Stefano Torrisi, exec VP of Banijay Group’s Italian and Spanish interests.

Bassetti, brother of Banijay CEO Marco, was CEO at ESG in Italy until February, leading all operations across the territory and working on shows such as Grande Fratello (Big Brother), Affari Tuoi (Deal or No Deal) and La Prova del Cuoco (Ready Steady Cook).

Under his leadership, the group also produced a host of dramas including Scomparsa (Tangled Lies), Sorelle (Sisters), Un’Altra Vita (A Second Chance) and Le Tre Rose di Eva (Tuscan Passion). He was replaced by Leonardo Pasquinelli.

Prior to joining ESG, Bassetti led La Italiana Production before moving to Aran Production, which was later acquired by Endemol, where he worked with his brother.

“I’m looking forward to working with Paolo again and firmly believe he is the right fit to oversee the two territories,” Marco Bassetti said. “Bringing extensive expertise, relationships and regional knowledge, he is the perfect leader to take our business to the next level in Italy and Spain.”

Paolo Bassetti added: “The group has great talent across Italy and Spain and I can’t wait to join them, learn from them and focus on our future together.”

Banijay is behind shows including drama Versailles and reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and has operations in 16 countries.