CTC names channel boss as Murugov steps aside

Russian broadcaster CTC Media has named Elmira Makhmutova as the new head of the CTC Channel, effective from January 1.

Makhmutova, who is currently deputy CEO for strategic marketing at the broadcaster, will replace Viacheslav Murugov, who will continue to serve as an advisor to CEO Yuliana Slashcheva.

Murugov, who is currently chief content officer of CTC Media as well as head of the CTC Channel, will become the head of a new production company specialising in multiformat content and entertainment shows.

His previous dealings saw him sell a 16% stake in Russian producer Lean-M to Sony Pictures Television, which earlier this year lost its chief, Maria Smirnova, to CTC. Former Disney exec Vadim Sokolovsky then replaced Smironova at SPT, as TBI revealed in August.

“I am grateful to Viacheslav for his ten years of brilliant work for CTC Media and especially for the last 18 months of our cooperation, and I am convinced that his achievements as the head and co-owner of a new production house will be equally impressive,” said Slashcheva.

“Viacheslav has done a great deal for the CTC Channel, serving as its head and the person who has inspired the team for many years. As our chief content officer, Viacheslav has created some of most successful CTC projects. Our cooperation will continue, as our audience wants new high-quality Russian content, and Viacheslav is one of the strongest producers in the business.”