51 Minds, Original bosses to replace Goldberg at Endemol

The CEOs of 51 Minds and Original Media, Cris Abrego and Charlie Corwin, will head up a new look Endemol North America.

The pair will be co-chairman and co-CEO, replacing the outgoing David Goldberg at the US business.

Their remit covers Endemol USA companies Authentic Entertainment, Endemol Studios and True Entertainment, and their own companies.

They’ve been charged with expanding Endemol’s expansion into network, cable and digital TV and output in both scripted and non-scripted.

Abrego co-founded 51 Minds in 2003 and went on to create breakout series The Surreal Life for VH1. Endemol bought into the business in 2008, since when its output has diversified through shows for CBS, Fox and ABC among others.

Corwin is behind unscripted series such as TLC’s Miami Ink and History’s Swamp People and has executive produced a number of films. Endemol acquired a stake in 2007.

Tim Hincks, president of Endemol North America parent Endemol Group, said: “Charlie and Cris are world class creative entrepreneurs who have built their respective companies through the creation and production of great, must-watch content during their time within Endemol. They combine energy, ambition and vision with an understanding of the values that define Endemol. We couldn’t ask for stronger candidates to lead our North American operations into a new phase of accelerated growth and creativity.”

Replacements for them at Original and 51 Minds will be announced at a later date.