News

10 June 2009

ENDEMOL APPOINTS SOUTHERN STAR’S CATHY PAYNE AS CEO OF INTEGRATED PROGRAMME DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS

Former CEO of Southern Star International to run combined Endemol and Southern Star programme distribution business

The move follows Endemol's acquisition of Southern Star, one of the largest distributors of English language television programming in the world.

The combined business has a library of approximately 2000 formats and 20,000 hours of content.

Caroline Torrance to step down as Executive Director of Scripted Programming and Distribution at Endemol International in September 2009.

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced the appointment of Cathy Payne as CEO of its integrated distribution business.

In her new role Cathy will oversee the programme distribution of the merged operation for Endemol Group. She moves to London to take up the position and will report to Tom Toumazis, Chief Commercial Officer of Endemol Group.

The appointment follows Endemol's acquisition in January 2009 of Southern Star Group, one of the largest distributors of English language television programming in the world with a strong history of third party representation.

The combined business has a library of approximately 2000 formats and 20,000 hours of content, comprising drama, children's TV, animation, entertainment and reality formats and factual programmes. Key titles include Home & Away, Packed to the Rafters, Hi-5, Rush and the recently announced LMNO catalogue, combined with Endemol's Extreme Make Over: Home Edition, Wipeout, Fear Factor and the catalogue of US reality producer 51 Minds Entertainment.

Cathy Payne has held the position of Chief Executive of Southern Star International since April 2000 during which time it has grown to become the sixth largest distributor of English language programming outside of the Hollywood studios.

In her capacity she has been responsible for the overall management of the international division and her achievements include securing the sale of ‘Home and Away' to Channel 5 in the UK, which remains the largest sale of an Australian television programme in history.

Tom Toumazis comments: "Cathy's expertise in content distribution is second to none. She has built a tremendous business over the last 10 years and has an exceptional knowledge and understanding of the major TV markets around the world. She is a great asset to the Endemol Group and I couldn't think of anyone better qualified to run our distribution business."

Cathy Payne adds: "Bringing together Endemol and Southern Star's business creates a global distribution powerhouse that will provide a world beating service to both the producers we represent and the broadcasters/licensees we sell to. The Group is already one of the world's largest content distributors and we are committed to further growing the business, particularly in areas such as drama and third party representation. Our combined operation boasts some of the most dedicated and talented executives in the industry and I am greatly looking forward to taking up this new role. "

Meanwhile Caroline Torrance will step down as Executive Director of Scripted Programming and Distribution at Endemol International in September 2009.

Caroline comments "I joined Endemol in January 2006 to set up a programme distribution department and I am really proud that it has been a big success. As the Endemol and Southern Star distribution activities merge, the time feels right to move on. I have had the pleasure of working in a great company and with a wonderful group of people. I'll miss them all but I know the distribution operation couldn't be in better hands."

Tom Toumazis adds: "Caroline is a consummate professional who has shown great leadership and enormous commitment to the company. She has played a key role in making Endemol's programme distribution business what it is today and has been responsible for driving significant growth in this area, particularly in drama. It has been a pleasure to work with her and I wish her every success for the future."

Caroline will continue in her current role until 30th September 2009 and will work closely with Endemol's distribution team in handing over her responsibilities.

Caroline was appointed Director of Scripted Programming and Distribution at Endemol International in January 2006. Since then she has been responsible for driving distribution of the Group's growing portfolio of drama programming around the world as well overseeing global programme distribution.

Before joining Endemol, Caroline was at Granada International where she oversaw distribution activity in the Americas, Africa, Middle East and Australasia as well as managing the company's extensive drama co-production activity.