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Banijay Group today confirms the appointment of Cathy Payne as CEO, Banijay Rights. Previously CEO, Endemol Shine International, she has been brought on board to lead the business’ growing global distribution strategy and activities and take the division through its impending next phase.

An industry veteran, Payne brings a wealth of experience and commercial acumen, and will be tasked with overseeing the positioning and exploitation of Banijay Rights’ expanding catalogue, building the business’ reputation and that of its brands across the world. The move follows almost ten years of service with Endemol, most recently under the guise of Endemol Shine International, where she directed all worldwide distribution efforts, steering its six-territory strong team and in-house and third-party content sales, as well as working closely with the commercial team on IP exploitation. During her tenure, she projected the business’ Scripted capabilities through international co-productions and was behind the global roll-out and success of numerous hit brands including Peaky Blinders, Mr Bean, Grantchester, Tin Star and Younger, alongside the continued longevity of Home and Away, in addition to working alongside the production and creative businesses on expanding non-scripted franchises: MasterChef, Big Brother, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Ambulance and Lego Masters.

Prior to taking on the role of Chief Executive, Endemol Worldwide Distribution, in 2009, Payne was Chief Executive at Southern Star International. There, over the course of 20 years, she was responsible for building one of the largest distributors of English-language content outside of the U.S.

In line with the expansion plans for distribution, Tim Mutimer will now fulfil the role of EVP, EMEA Sales & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights. Working collaboratively with Payne, he will oversee the team and all activity for the region.

Payne will adopt her new role on Monday 27 April 2020, reporting to CEO, Marco Bassetti.

Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive, Banijay Group comments: “Cathy is an exceptional leader and incredibly well-respected industry mogul. A creative entrepreneur with extraordinary market knowledge and commercial intelligence, she is behind some of the world’s biggest distribution successes. Having worked with her directly and admired her work from afar, we have long-followed her journey and could not be more excited to have her joining ours, as we continue to build the business and its footprint worldwide.”

Cathy Payne adds: “It has never been a more exciting time for content creation and distribution, and I am energised to be joining the team as it embarks on this period of expansion.”

The Banijay Rights catalogue currently comprises some of the world’s leading formats and titles including Survivor, Versailles, Temptation Island, Wife Swap, The Restaurant, The Inbetweeners, The Crystal Maze, Wisting, Occupied and The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds