Banijay hires Shine France exec for digital

Banijay Group has brought in Shine France’s Lionel Abbo to lead its digital efforts globally.

Abbo has been named global head of digital. He will lead the company’s digital business, reporting to Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti.

He’ll also oversee digital operations at Banijay France, reporting to the prodco’s CEO, François de Brugada.

Abbo joins from Shine France, which is close to merging with Endemol France to create Endemol Shine France.

At Shine, he had been deputy-managing director of creation development 360˚ since 2009.

He began his career at MTV Networks (now part of Viacom International Media Networks) before joining Endemol France to lead its branded content efforts for Bouygues Telecom and LG. He then became head of content at branded content firm Tribal DDB before joining Shine.

“Expanding our global digital business continues to be a key ongoing strategy across the group – and I’m delighted to welcome Lionel to the Banijay team in this new role,” said Bassetti.

“Lionel’s extensive knowledge, contacts and business acumen will be an invaluable asset as we maximise opportunities in this vibrant and rapidly evolving sector.”

Abbo’s hire comes after Banijay hired Warner Bros. International Television Production exec Peter Langenberg as group COO in October last year, and drafted in Takis Candilis as scripted chief.

Banijay merged with Zodiak Media last year. Rod Henwood, Emmanuelle Namiech and Grant Ross are among top-level execs that have subsequently exited.