Fennessys decide to stay at Endemol Shine

Mark Fennessy

Mark and Carl Fennessy have made a dramatic u-turn and decided to remain with Endemol Shine Australia.

The brothers said in April they would leave their co-CEO positions in mid-2015, but today announced they will remain with the company.

In April the pair said: “We wish the Endemol Shine Group every success in the future and look forward to a welcome break ahead of our next adventure”.

Today they jointly said: “Since giving notice we have continued to work through a transition, producing our current slate of shows and assisting with a succession plan. Our pride in the local business coupled with a fierce loyalty towards our talented staff was always going to make departing difficult.

Carl Fennessy

“They say a week’s a long time in television – so after further discussion and consideration we’ve decided to accept the opportunity of managing the merged company. We’re genuinely excited about being part of the next chapter for a combined Australian business within Endemol Shine Group.”

The Fennessy’s decision to stay on removes a personnel headache for ESG, which was left searching for a regional leader after Endemol Australia CEO Janeen Faithfull also decided to leave her role soon after the Fennessy’s original announcement.

Speaking about the Fennessy’s decision to remain with the company, Sophie Turner Laing, CEO, Endemol Shine Group said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Mark and Carl have now decided to stay on to bring together and lead our Australian business and it couldn’t feel more right. We look forward to great future success with them at the helm of Endemol Shine Australia whilst playing a key role internationally.”

ESG said that with its leadership confirmed, the process of integrating Endemol Australia and Shine Australia will get underway.