Former British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) managing director of content, Sophie Turner Laing, is to become chief executive of the merged Endemol and Shine global TV production business.
After 11 years at BSkyB, Laing is departing from the British satellite broadcasting, broadband and telephone services company following the news that Shine owner 21st Century Fox and US private equity firm Apollo Global Management (AGM) were to merge.
AGM and 21st Century Fox are in the process of creating a joint venture between Shine, Endemol and Core Media Group, to create one of the largest programme-making and content businesses internationally.
According to the TVBEurope website, a spokesperson for 21st Century Fox and AGM said: “Pending the parties finalising an agreement to form a joint venture comprised of Endemol, Shine Group and Core Media Group the venture partners today confirmed that Sophie Turner Laing, former managing director of Content at BSkyB, would become the new venture’s CEO.’
“Just Spee, the current Endemol CEO, and Alex Mahon, CEO of Shine Group, would remain with their respective companies following the close of the transaction, working with Ms. Laing on the transition and integration of the business operations.’
“There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be finalised or completed.’
