Industry

Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, announces it has bolstered its leadership team, with Roisin Thomas remaining as COO and John Richards taking up the post of CFO. Both reporting to Chief Executive, Cathy Payne, who today starts her new role, the newly devised team will oversee all operational and financial matters for the growing division.

Since 2015, Thomas has served as COO at the distribution business, having joined Zodiak Media back in 2011 pre its merger with Banijay Group, where she served as Chief of Staff to two successive Group CEOs. She started her career as a corporate media lawyer and spent over five years at leading media law firm Olswang, where she advised on a range of high profile corporate and commercial deals. She also fulfilled roles at EMI Music and Matheson after qualifying in Ireland in 2004. Moving forwards, she will support Payne in developing and implementing Banijay Rights’ overarching business strategy.

Richards joins the company from Endemol Shine International, where, since 2015, he was Chief Financial Officer and before that, Finance Director of Endemol Worldwide Distribution. There, he was responsible for providing direction and leadership for the finance team and working with CEO, Cathy Payne, to help achieve growth. Having also served for four years as Finance Director of Tiger Aspect Productions and Darlow Smithson Productions, he led the merger of both companies into Endemol Group in 2009 following their sale by IMG. Before that, Richards spent over seven years with IMG having qualified at PWC in 2000.

Cathy Payne says: “As the business sits on the cusp of major growth, it was important to have a strong team in place to manage us efficiently through the changes. In Roisin and John, we have the perfect mix of financial acumen, operational nous and extensive industry knowledge, making us well-prepared for the future. I look forward to getting started with the new team today.”

Roisin Thomas says: “We have a busy road ahead and as the business approaches a significant phase of growth, John’s expertise is very much welcome. I look forward to partnering with him and Cathy to take Banijay Rights to the next level with the support of our wonderful team.”

John Richards says: “Banijay Rights boasts a sterling reputation, multitude of content and has an exciting future ahead. It’s great to be re-joining Cathy there and I am pleased to working with Roisin to drive further growth for the business.”

Cathy Payne now serves as CEO of Banijay Rights, with Tim Mutimer taking up the post of EVP, EMEA Sales & Acquisitions.