New CEO for Endemol Shine’s Russian prodco

The long-serving CEO of Endemol Shine Group-controlled WeiT Media has left the Russian producer for a major local channel, with a new chief exec installed from within.

Timur Weistein has exited to become general producer at NTV, with the former incumbent, Danila Sharapov, in turn leaving his post.

Weinstein’s exit has triggered Yulia Sumacheva’s promotion to CEO of WeiT, which Endemol acquired a majority stake in four years before its merger with former rival Shine Group.

Following the merger, WeiT became owner of Endemol Shine’s catalogue in Russia.

Sumacheva has been with WeiT since Weinstein established the prodco in 2009, and has been a key producer since on local versions of shows such Your Face Sounds Familiar, The Biggest Loser and MasterChef Junior, and on local scripted drama

She is also credited with expanding the firm’s business in neighbouring territories and for international versions of formats such as Wipeout.

WeiT’s COO, Roman Elistraiov, will continue to support the firm’s day-to-day activities.

Before WeiT, Sumacheva worked at Sony Pictures Television-owned Lean M, which Weinstein founded back in 2000 before selling a majority share to SPT in 2005 and the rest of the shareholding three years later.

Weinstein has been an influential TV producer since the 1990s, having worked at companies such as VID TV and ORT before launching Lean M and WeiT. He is credited with producing more than 250 shows in Russia, most of which have been for major channels such as CTC and Russia 1.

Sumacheva officially took up her new post on December 1.

Earlier this year, Endemol Shine’s Marina Williams, who oversaw WeiT’s efforts as regional CEO of central and eastern Europe and the Middle East and North Africa, was promoted to COO of international operations. This put her in charge of Endemol Shine’s efforts in India and Africa.