News

10 November 2008

ENDEMOL APPOINTS JOINT MD’S IN SOUTH AFRICA

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced the appointment of Levern Engel and Sivan Pillay as Joint Managing Directors of Endemol South Africa.

Levern Engel is a leading executive with over ten years experience in entertainment production. She joined Endemol South Africa in January 2008 as Head of Infotainment and Entertainment and has been in charge of all the group's productions across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. In this capacity she has also overseen Endemol South Africa's creative department, charged with the development of new IP for television and digital media platforms.

Levern previously held senior media industry roles in South Africa including Head of Ochre Moving Pictures, a leading national production company specializing in drama, educational, factual-entertainment, youth and reality programming.

Sivan Pillay has over ten years experience in commercial affairs, sponsorship, promotions, IP exploitation and sales. Since Joining Endemol South Africa in 2000 he has been responsible for all of the company's business affairs across South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa, most recently as Head of Commercial Business. Sivan also pioneered Endemol South Africa's digital media business with the launch of Mobivision in 2004, which has delivered innovative new business especially in the mobile space.

His role has included brand exploitation across all media platforms, commercial partnerships, sponsorship and merchandising as well as driving the company's strategy for growth. As a leading executive in the national media industry he has appeared as a judge on the South African version of Popstars.

Levern and Sivan take up their new roles as Joint Managing Directors of Endemol South Africa with immediate effect. Based in the company's offices in Johannesburg they will report to Marco Bassetti, Chief Operating Officer of Endemol.

Marco Bassetti comments: "Levern and Sivan are highly skilled professionals who have long and proven track records in their fields. Their combined experience in business affairs and entertainment production places Endemol South Africa under strong leadership and paves the way for further regional growth."

Levern Engel says: "What sets Endemol South Africa apart is its outstanding creative and production resources as well as its understanding of Sub-Saharan regions and their respective audiences. Our capacity and track record makes us one of few producers in the region who are able to develop and deliver quality content, often on a scale few companies would contemplate. This, combined with alternative business models, perfectly positions us to take our success story forward. "

Sivan Pillay adds: "Endemol South Africa has already become a formidable player in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim now is to further expand and diversify the business to become one of the region's premier TV and digital media entertainment content providers. We hope to drive the business forward with energy and enthusiasm and continue to attract the best talent to Endemol."

Endemol South Africa's current productions include a third series of Big Brother Africa for M-Net, which broadcasts across over 40 countries on the African continent; hit daily soap Isidingo for SABC3, which is now in its tenth year; popular game show Doen met 'n Miljoen for kykNET and Advance Warning for MTV Base Africa.

Shows coming soon include game show hit The Kids Are All Right for SABC1, entertainment show Forgive and Forget for E.TV and talent show Let's Dance for Multichoice Nigeria.