Sharon Levy upped to CEO at Endemol Shine North America amid restructure

Sharon Levy has been elevated to CEO of Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) amid a change to its function within Banijay Americas.

Sharon Levy

The promotion of Levy, who most recently served as ESNA’s chief content officer, comes on the heels of news of Ben Samek’s promotion as he replaces Cris Abrego as CEO of parent Banijay Americas.

In his first move since taking the helm, Samek revealed that North Hollywood-based ESNA, which has historically held a dual function as both Banijay’s holding company in North America and as a production studio, will shift gears to operate solely as a studio.

In her new role, Levy will manage all aspects of ESNA including its unscripted and scripted programming efforts.

ESNA will now sit under the Banijay Americas umbrella alongside nine other production companies: Bunim/Murray Productions, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Authentic Entertainment, Stephen David Entertainment, Endemol Shine Boomdog, Banijay Mexico and US Hispanic, Endemol Shine Brasil and A Fábrica. Banijay said this completes the restructure of its businesses across the Americas.

“Reconstituting ESNA as a pure production studio that lives alongside the nine other studios that form Banijay Americas, each with its own leadership and goals, will afford us the opportunity to work more collaboratively and efficiently and represent ourselves more clearly to our industry partners,” said Samek.

Levy joined ESNA in 2017 from Spike TV. Samek said: “Sharon has positioned ESNA as a major industry player, launching hits like Lego Masters and Wipeout, overseeing the MasterChef franchises, and more. I am so excited about this new leadership opportunity for Sharon and look forward to supporting my friend and colleague as she leads her talented team to new heights.”

Levy added: “With Endemol Shine North America now operating solely as a production studio, we’ll move more nimbly and be better positioned to meet the challenges of the moment. It’s a new era at ESNA, and we look forward to working with partners, old and new, to create great television.”