Jackson exits Banijay, joins Blue Ant

Banijay Group global sales chief Michael Jackson has left the company and joined Blue Ant International.

Jackson’s exit comes after those of Emmanuelle Namiech, Jimmy Humphrey and several other former Banijay International sales execs in the wake of the company’s merger with Zodiak Media.

TBI understands that the only member of the former Banijay International team remaining post-merger is financial controller Cher Lin Chow.

Canada-based Blue Ant runs channels and has a growing distribution operation with a large slate of 4K product. Jackson will be based in its UK and operate as senior director, international sales and acquisitions.

He will be across sales, coproduction and acquisitions in the UK, the Nordics, Benelux, southern Europe and the Middle East.

Jackson joined Banijay last May, filling in part the role vacated by Sebastian Burkhardt, who left for Keshet. Prior to Banijay he was at DCD Rights and he has also worked at Zodiak Rights, DRG’s Zeal Television and digital distribution company MoMedia.

“Our growth in the UK is critical to our continued leadership in premium content,” said Solange Attwood, senior VP, Blue Ant International, to whom Jackson will report.

“Mike’s extensive track record allows us to access more global partnerships and leading content creators, while delivering on our clients’ ever-evolving needs, across multiple platforms.”

Jackson will attend MIPTV next week in his new role.

Banijay Group’s sales operations, meanwhile, are now conducted through Zodiak Rights with Tim Mutimer at the helm.