Banijay Group names ESG exec as Italy CEO

Banijay Group has appointed Paolo Bassetti as chief executive officer of its Italy office.

In the newly appointed role, he will be responsible for overseeing the group’s entities in Italy, which include Magnolia, Nonpanic, Aurora TV, DryMedia, L’Officina, Atlantis and newly launched Banijay Studios Itally.

The new exec will also take charge of the business’ operations in Spain. In the new role, he will also collaborate closely with Stefano Torrisi, EVP of Banijay Group’s Italian and Spanish operation.

Bassetti joins from Endemol Shine Group, where, until February 2018, he served as CEO and chairman of the business’ Italian arm and was a member of the international board.

During his tenure, he led all operations across the territory and led the team through the production of leading titles including Grande Fratello (Big Brother), Affari Tuoi (Deal or no Deal), La Prova del Cuoco (Ready Steady Cook) and more.

Prior to ESG, Bassetti held leading roles first as CEO at La Italiana Production back in 1995 and then in 1996 as CEO at Aran Production, which later became an Endemol Company.

Marco Bassetti, CEO at Banijay Group said: “I’m looking forward to working with Paolo again and firmly believe he is the right fit to oversee the two territories. Bringing extensive expertise, relationships and regional knowledge, he is the perfect leader to take our business to the next level in Italy and Spain.”

Paolo Bassetti added: “I am truly excited and honoured to become a member of a great group like Banijay that, as competitor, I have watched carefully and closely in the last years. The group has great talent across Italy and Spain and I can’t wait to join them, learn from them and focus on our future together.”