Banijay sales staff set for Zodiak exit

Several of the Banijay International sales staff that transferred to Zodiak Rights are set to exit the new-look distributor, TBI understands, with one departure already confirmed.

Multiple sources have said the former Banijay International sales team will all exit the business, which Tim Mutimer oversees. It is understood they have been offered redundancy packages or the opportunity to reapply for their posts.

Zodiak Rights parent Banijay Group confirmed VP, sales and acquisitions Jimmy Humphrey had left the business, but would not comment on the future of the others.

TBI understands several other executives, including Dimitri Gélineau, are also leaving the business.

Humphrey joined Banijay International in 2013 from Endemol Shine Group predecessor Shine, where he held an acquisitions role. He has also worked at FremantleMedia.

At Banijay, he rose from manager level to VP, overseeing sales to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Italy and Portugal, and acquisition of formats and finished shows for the UK, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand.

“Following the recent merger of Banijay Group and Zodiak Media the restructure at Zodiak Rights in London has been concluded,” an official Banijay statement read.

“As a result Zodiak Rights can confirm that Jimmy Humphrey – former VP, sales and acquisitions at Banijay International – has decided to explore other opportunities and has not taken a role within Zodiak Rights, Banijay Group’s new distribution arm.

“Further details of the post-merger organisation at Zodiak Rights will be announced in due course.”

Zodiak Rights became the sales arm of Banijay Group after the merger of Banijay and Zodiak Media, with Zodiak Rights boss Mutimer beating Banijay’s Emmanuelle Namiech to the post, news TBI broke at the time.