As expected, Ben Samek has been named CEO of Banijay Americas, the combined structure created across the Americas following Banijay Entertainment’s recent merger with All3Media.
Samek will report to Jane Turton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Banijay Entertainment. Meanwhile, Banijay Entertainment has also launched Banijay Latin America for production businesses and activities in the region. Lawrence Drilich will serve as CEO, while Samek will continue to serve as a board member and advisor to the group.
“Ben is a highly experienced leader who has grown and diversified Banijay America and added fast-growing live, digital and sports businesses to its world-class TV production,” Turnton said in a statement. “We produce many of America’s biggest entertainment brands and I look forward to working with them and the team as we grow the slate and broaden the business. Banijay America is an incredible platform for talent and IP and the merger of the two businesses is an exciting time for us to invest for growth.”
Samek said: “Both businesses were built on the same principles, to support exceptional producers and bold ideas. Bringing them together gives us greater scale and expanded capabilities in the US market. Our goal is clear: to create sustainable franchises that can travel around the world and connect with audiences through platforms and experiences. We will remain entrepreneurial and disciplined, investing with clear intent and supporting storytellers and ideas that can create lasting value for the business. I look forward to pursuing that ambition with our partners at Banijay Entertainment.”
As part of the news announced Monday, Banijay America said it will now also operate centralized production services business Turnkey Studio Services. Justin Medeiros and Jacob Cohen-Holmes, who led similar businesses within All3Media America, will run the new operation – Medeiros as executive VP of production and Cohen-Holmes as head of current programming.
Turnkey Studio Services will provide production support and studio services for Banijay Entertainment producers worldwide, including Studio Lambert (“The Circle,” “Undercover Boss,” “The Mob”).
Samek has served as CEO of Banijay America since February 2023; Prior to this, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Banijay America since 2018. Banijay America’s many production labels include top unscripted producers such as Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Truly Original, 51 Minds, Authentic Entertainment, Endemol Shine Boomdog and Banijay Mexico.
Among Samek’s recent accomplishments, he led the expansion of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Fill” into a broader deal at YouTube. He has also led the expansion of immersive experiences by taking IP to another realm.
Major Banijay America franchises under Samek’s domain include “Big Brother,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” “Below Deck,” “Summer House,” “The Challenge,” “Deal or No Deal Island,” “Fear Factor: House of Fear” and “Lego Masters.” With the addition of All3Media, it now also includes franchises such as Studio Lambert’s “The Traitors.”
“Simon Says,” “Predator vs. Prey with Alan Ritchson” and “Arizona Hot” are coming to Netflix, as well as a new season of “Somebody Feed Phil” to YouTube.
Redbird IMI and Banijay Group had earlier this year partnered to merge Banijay Entertainment with All3Media. Jeff Zucker, CEO of Redbird IMI, is Chairman of the Board and CEO along with Marco Bassetti Turton.