Deeply Superficial’s Thierry Lachkar named CEO of ITV Studios France

Thierry Lachkar, founder of French indie Deeply Superficial and former CEO and founder of Shine France, has been appointed CEO of ITV Studios France.

Thierry Lachkar

ITV Studios France produces shows including The Voice for TF1; The Voice All Stars; 4 Mariages Pour 1 Lune de Miel, a French version of Four Weddings; talent show Spectaculaire, a coproduction for France 2; and Nabilla: Sans Filtre, a copro for Prime Vidéo.

Lachkar founded the French independent production company Deeply Superficial and is currently its MD, overseeing formats like Surprise Sur Prise, RTL Pop Rock Arena and W9 Urban Arena.

He is also the former CEO and founder of Shine France, where he spearheaded shows including The Voice, The Voice Kids (prior to its move to ITV Studios France), MasterChef, Prodiges, Baby Boom, La Meilleure Boulangerie and drama series The Tunnel.

Lachkar will take up the role on December 13, reporting in to Lisa Perrin, MD of international productions.

After starting out as an acquisition executive at Endemol in 1999, Lachkar became director of international formats before being promoted to deputy MD, international acquisition and development.

He eventually became vice deputy Endemol France, leaving in 2009 to set up Shine France before founding his own independent label in 2018.

Deeply Superficial’s development slate will now be developed and pitched by ITV Studios France, which will become a coproduction partner on any Deeply Superficial shows that are commissioned, taking on physical production.

He said: “It’s going to be a real pleasure to work across such a dynamic portfolio of shows, in particular The Voice, which plays a unique part in my own career story as I helped launch it in France. I’m also delighted to be working on developing new shows to bring to the French market. There’s some great stuff in the pipeline and it’s the start of an exhilarating new challenge.”

Perrin added: “Thierry has immense experience, having launched and built the Shine France business from scratch. I believe he will provide the creative credibility and flair to bolster and grow ITV Studios France. We’re delighted he’ll be taking the helm and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and for the team at ITV Studios France.”