As expected, Ben Samek became CEO of Banijay America, the combined entity created following Banijay Entertainment’s recent merger with All3Media.
Samek will report to Jane Turton, executive vice president of Banijay Entertainment. Meanwhile, Banijay Entertainment has also launched Banijay Latin America for production work and activities in the region. Laurens Drillich will serve as CEO, while Samek will continue to serve as a board member and advisor to the group.
“Ben is a highly experienced leader who is growing and diversifying Banijay Americas, adding a rapidly evolving live, digital and sports business to world-class TV production,” Turnton said in a statement. “We produce many of America’s largest entertainment brands, and I look forward to working with him and the team as we scale up and continue to expand the business. Banijay America is an incredible platform for talent and intellectual property, and the combination of the two businesses is an exciting time for us to invest in growth.”
Samek added: “Both businesses are built on the same principle to support exceptional producers and bold ideas. Bringing them together gives us greater scale and expanded capabilities in the US market. Our goal is clear: to build enduring franchises that can travel the world and connect with audiences across platforms and experiences. We will remain entrepreneurial and disciplined by investing with clear intent and supporting storytellers and ideas that can create lasting value for the business. I look forward to continuing this passion with Jane and our colleagues at Banijay Entertainment.”
As part of the news announced Monday, Banijay America said it will now also be home to its centralized production services business, Turnkey Studio Services. Justin Medeiros and Jacob Cohen-Holmes, who run a similar business at All3Media America, will run the new operation; Medeiros will be executive vice president of production and Cohen-Holmes will be head of current programming.
Turnkey Studio Services will provide production support and studio services to Banijay Entertainment producers around the world, including Studio Lambert (“The Circle,” “Undercover Boss,” “The Mob”).
Samek has served as CEO of Banijay Americas since February 2023; before that, he served as president and chief operating officer of Banijay Americas since 2018. Banijay Americas’ many production companies include leading unscripted producers such as Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Truly Original, 51 Minds, Authentic Entertainment, Endemol Shine Boomdog and Banijay Mexico.
Samek’s recent accomplishments include spearheading the expansion of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil” into a larger deal on YouTube. It also pioneered the expansion of immersive experiences, taking the IP to another dimension.
Major Banijay America franchises under Samek’s domain include “Big Brother,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” “Below Deck,” “Summer House,” “The Challenge,” “Deal or No Deal Island,” “Fear Factor: House of Fear” and “Lego Masters.” With the addition of All3Media, this now includes series like Studio Lambert’s “The Traitors.”
“Simon Says,” “Predator vs. Prey with Alan Ritchson” and “Arizona Hot” for Netflix, and a new season of “Somebody Feed Phil” for YouTube will be released soon.
RedBird IMI and Banijay Group partnered to merge Banijay Entertainment with All3Media earlier this year. RedBird IMI CEO Jeff Zucker serves as chairman of the board, Marco Bassetti serves as CEO, and Turton serves as vice chairman of the executive board.