Following the announcement that former CEO of the UK business Tim Hincks has become President of Endemol Group and Chairman of Endemol UK, the independent production group revealed its new CEO and new Chief Operating Officer.

Former Chief Operating Officer Lucas Church has been appointed CEO of Endemol UK, while former Chief Financial Officer Richard Johnston has become Chief Operating Officer.

Church, who has 20 years of experience in the TV industry, will lead the UK group, which produces over 2,000 hours annually in various genres. Johnston, who was Chief Financial Officer of Endemol UK since 2008, will oversee the day-to-day running of the company.

Endemol UK won a total of 92 commissions in 2011, 47 of which were new series airing for the first time. Its recent hits include The Million Pound Drop, which sold to more than 30 countries and won the Rose d’Or Award for Best Game Show, and the critically acclaimed drama Low Winter Sun, which won the Royal Television Society Award for Best Drama Serial.