Endemol restructures; Marks leaves Southern Star

There are new roles for Marco Bassetti, Paul Römer and Tom Toumazis under a high-level management restructure at Endemol. Meanwhile, Hugh Marks, the CEO of Endemol-owned Southern Star, is leaving the Australian producer/distributor after seven years.

Bassetti moves from Endemol COO to president of the Endemol Group, a non-executive advisory role. The heads of Endemol’s various operating companies around the world will now report directly to CEO Ynon Kreiz.

Römer becomes chief creative officer, reporting to Kreiz and with responsibility building Endemol scripted and unscripted properties internationally.

Tom Toumazis, who joined Endemol from Disney late last year, retains the chief commercial officer title, but has taken on greater responsibility including managing Endemol’s participation TV and consumer products offerings.

Meanwhile, Southern Star boss Hugh Marks will be replaced by Rory Callaghan.

Marks will set up a consultancy, Media Venture Partners, advising producers and distributors, including Southern Star, on funding and content creation.

Callaghan has been at Southern Star since 2006, when he joined as director of programs. He was then promoted to managing director and will now become chief executive.

Endemol acquired Southern Star earlier this year and has swiftly reorganised the company’s management. Former Southern Star International boss Cathy Payne now mangages a combined Endemol/Southern Star distribution group.