Fennessy brothers depart Endemol Shine Oz; Peter Newman named CEO

The Fennessy brothers

Endemol Shine Australia co-CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy are leaving the company which they have led for more than a decade, with chief content officer Peter Newman named as their successor.

The change in leadership comes following months of senior shake-ups for Endemol Shine, following its acquisition by the Banijay Group in June.

During their time leading the company, the Fennessy brothers oversaw the merger of the Endemol and Shine businesses in Australia and led the team’s development and production on several major global entertainment franchises. They say they are now looking forward to a “much-needed break.”

Newman joined Shine on 2012 as creative director and rose to CCO under the merged Endemol Shine Australia in 2018, during which time he has overseen one of the biggest unscripted production slates in the world, including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Australian Survivor, Married At First Sight and LEGO Masters.

Peter Newman

In his new role, Newman will lead the business’ content pipeline and overarching operations.

“It’s been amazing to work with Mark and Carl over the last eight years and it’s an honour to take up the reins of this impressive newly-combined company,” he said. “Endemol Shine Australia has always been about supporting and empowering the great people behind the world-class production of our shows. I’m incredibly proud of our workplace culture, our focus on creative excellence and will ensure we continue to do what we do best; working with our broadcast partners to deliver their audiences outstanding content.”

Mark and Carl Fennessy commented: “Ten years ago we commenced a journey with Elisabeth Murdoch to ‘Inspire, Create and Shine’. The period since has been like one long day filled with rewarding experiences and great success but the time has come for the next adventure.”

Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said that the Fennessy brothers are “commendable businessmen at the forefront of the country’s creative industry” described Newman as “an incredible asset to Banijay as we continue to evolve our creative vision and set our strategy in Australia.”