Simon Shaps sets up shop at Idol producer Core

Simon Shaps

At Core, Shaps will be MD, international content and production and create a London-based team that will develop formats for the European and US markets.

He will report to Core Media boss Marc Graboff, the former boss of NBC. He said: “Core is committed to bringing its unique approach for creating and developing our own shows to the international market and we could not ask for a better partner than Simon Shaps, a true visionary who has one of the best track records in the industry.”

Shaps said: “[Core] have already expanded the business in the US, and I am delighted to work with them to grow Core’s assets internationally.”

Core has been staffing up and recently hired Glenn Stickley as senior VP, TV production and Jenny Ramirez as VP, development and production.

Core is backed by private equity firm Apollo. It owns 19 Entertainment (Idols) as well as Sharp Entertainment. Its other assets include model agency Storm and the rights to the Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali brands.