London – Endemol unveiled Endemol Worldwide Distribution, a new global operation that will formally launch at MIPCOM 2009. The new division, resulting from the integration of Endemol International and Southern Star International, brings together the resources and expertise of two leading global distributors. The merged business incorporates 20,000 hours of content across multiple genres including drama, reality TV, game shows, entertainment, kids programming, animation and comedy. It creates one of the world’s largest independent content distribution businesses, which will have direct access to Endemol’s global production resources. The business will open with a client portfolio spanning approximately 400 broadcasters, licensees and producers. Endemol Worldwide Distribution will be managed by CEO Cathy Payne, the former CEO of Southern Star International. Reporting to Cathy Payne will be Matt Creasey, Executive Sales Director Americas, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Veronique Verges, Executive Sales Director Europe, Middle East and Africa. Matt Creasey and Veronique Verges will be based at Endemol’s offices in London and will each lead their own team of sales executives while working closely with Cathy Payne on growth strategies for the division. Endemol Worldwide Distribution is opening new regional offices in Paris and Madrid with Rome following later in 2009 and Los Angeles and Miami in 2010. The division will also operate out of Endemol’s existing distribution offices in London, Sydney and Hong Kong. Operating out of Paris will be Claire Taltas – Sales Director Benelux and French speaking territories. In Madrid, Gisela Asimus-Minnbergh takes the post of Sales Director Spain, Portugal, Italy and Africa; whilst in Hong Kong Daniel Edwards is Sales Director Asia and Middle East. These will operate alongside the company’s Sydney office, where the role of Sales Director for Australia, New Zealand and Brand Manager Hi-5, will be held by Kirsten Cargill. Based at the London office will be James Braham, Sales Director Eastern and Central Europe; Holly Winder, Sales Director Nordic and Cristina Sala – Sales Director Latin America. As part of its strategy for growth in third party distribution, the company is also due to appoint an Acquisitions Executive based in Los Angeles in the coming months. This role will specifically focus on increasing third party producer representation from North America, to compliment the extensive third party distribution business that has been built up out of Australia and the UK.