Church to leave Endemol Shine

Lucas Church is the latest big name to leave the merged Endemol Shine Group.

Endemol Shine format Big Brother

The executive has decided to leave his role as Endemol Shine UK and commercial board chairman this autumn after bringing together various parts of the merged Shine and Endemol businesses.

He oversaw the formation of the Endemol Shine Commercial Partnerships team under managing director Branco Scherer, and worked with Endemol Shine UK CEO Richard Johnston to unite the local Endemol and Shine divisions.

His role included oversight of the UK team, plus new ventures, digital video, gaming, apps and brand relations across the wider Endemol Shine business. He also played a key role in establishing onlin premium channels arm Endemol Beyond.

He joined Endemol as head of business affairs at UK subsidiary Initial in 1992 and went on to rise to CEO in 2012 before taking on the chairmanship of Endemol Shine UK upon the announcement of the merged unit’s make-up earlier this year.

“I think the time will be right later this year for me to put my mind to something new, but I know I’m leaving our commercial, digital and UK teams in the best possible hands,” said Church.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of such a unique company and wish everyone here all the very best. Whilst I’m very much looking forward to the future, I know I’ll miss all my friends and colleagues who’ve grown up with me over many years in this fantastic company.”

The complex process of merging the Endemol, Shine and Core Media businesses, which began at the start of the year, has led to widespread restructuring across the production and distribution company and the departures of execs including Gary Carter, Michael Porseryd, David Flynn, Jane Featherstone, Nadine Nohr, Janeen Faithfull and Arjen van Mierlo among others.

“It’s hard to overstate Lucas’s contribution to the business over years of transformational change and growth,” said Endemol Shine president Tim Hincks. “He and I have worked together through memorable times, during which he has remained an invaluable colleague and a great friend. When he leaves us later this year he will do so with my very best wishes and wholehearted thanks.”