Banijay poaches Michael Jackson from DCD

Banijay International has hired Michael Jackson as head of global sales.

The company said the role is a new one, but the new recruit will, in part, fill the role vacated by Sebastian Burkhardt who was senior VP, international sales, and joined Keshet earlier this year.

Jackson joins from UK-based DCD Rights, where he was senior sales and acquisitions executive.

As head of global sales at Banijay’s distribution arm, he will oversee sales to the UK, Asia and pan-regional broadcasters. He will also cover Germany, Benelux and the CEE region while Siobhan Herriott is on maternity leave.

Based in London, Jackson will report to managing director Emmanuelle Namiech.

She said: “Our successful move into programme sales in addition to formats representation means Michael’s depth of experience and knowledge and his broad international contacts will be invaluable to us going forward.’

She added: “Michael is extremely well regarded within the content distribution community, having worked across multiple genres within both sales and acquisitions.”

Jackson has worked for companies including Zodiak Rights, DRG’s Zeal Television and Endemol-backed digital distribution company MoMedia. His first international market representing Banijay International will be in Shanghai in June, and he will also attend NATPE Europe in Prague in June.

Another change at Banijay International sees vice president, sales & acquisitions, Jimmy Humphrey, expand his role and take responsibility for selling into Canada, US, Scandinavia and in Australia and New Zealand.