New roles for Hansen, Spodsberg at Banijay Zodiak

Peter Hansen and Karoline Spodsberg have landed new roles at Banijay Zodiak Nordic, the new regional unit of the Banijay Group, which has just completed its merger with Zodiak Media.

Hansen becomes CCO at the new business unit and Spodsberg COO, moves confirmed a day after Jacob Houlind became Nordic CEO and Johannes Jensen was named VP and deputy CEO.

Having been a stand-up comic and TV host, Hansen was the CEO of Mastiff TV, and since 2006, Nordisk Film TV. Mastiff was part of the Zodiak stable of prodcos and Nordisk part of Banijay.

Spodsberg was in charge of sales at Banijay International before moving to become COO for Banijay’s Nordic operation in 2014. She has also worked in sales at Zodiak.

Banijay Zodiak Nordic was announced yesterday after the wider Banijay-Zodiak deal was sealed on Tuesday.

Another regional appointment was confirmed today, with Mads Ulrick Holmstrup becoming deputy Nordic group CCO and managing director of Mastiff Denmark.

The various production entities in the new group will continue to work under their respective brands with Hansen and Spodsberg working at a group level.

Hansen said: “There’s no doubt that this is a true merger between two great Nordic companies. Without being too specific on honouring names, the long tradition for Zodiak Sweden’s pipeline of new strong unique formats, as well as world recognised drama series is honestly breathtaking. Through our newly combined group we will invest even more into creativity.”

“Being big does not necessarily mean being better,” added Spodsberg. “But being united in a new Nordic group with the most creative people on board will give us the opportunity to broaden and develop all parts of our business.

“All creatives will remain independent and continue their impressive work, but we will aim to create a strong Nordic community where we will build our new exciting future together.”