London – Banijay Group’s new production division Banijay Studios North America, led by former Endemol North America chairman and CEO David Goldberg, has made its first key hire, as Caroline Baumgard takes the Chief Creative Officer role. The announcement was made on May 27 by Goldberg, Banijay Group President and CEO, Banijay Studios North America to whom Baumgard will report. Baumgard will begin her new role effective immediately and will be based in the Los Angeles office.
Baumgard will reunite with Goldberg at Banijay Group’s recently formed Los Angeles based production division. Her key responsibilities will include developing original content for the company across multiple genres for the North American market, which will also roll out globally through Banijay Group’s growing production capabilities.
Baumgard joined Endemol USA in 2001, where she spearheaded all non-scripted development, including original idea generation and international format adaptation for the U.S. marketplace. Baumgard developed numerous shows during her tenure at Endemol USA, including the two-time Emmy award-winning series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC), the hit competition series Wipeout (ABC) and Deal or No Deal (NBC). She also developed the out of the gate hit syndicated daytime series Steve Harvey (NBCU), which is heading into its third season.
Goldberg said, “For more than 12 years, Caroline’s skills and expertise in identifying and creating potential future hits were a key driving force in the growth of Endemol USA. I’m delighted to be able to work with Caroline to do it all over again with Banijay Studios North America. Her experience, contacts and creative instincts will play a vital role in the development of this exciting new company with the bi-product resulting in the creation of formats that will travel abroad and help fuel the growth of our global business.”
Baumgard added, “I was one of the first hires David made at Endemol and we had an incredible 13 year run. Launching Banijay Studios North America together is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to creating original network, syndicated and cable hits as well as adapting and developing Banijay’s many successes from around the world.”
Banijay Group announced the formation of new entertainment company Banijay Studios North America at MIPTV. As CEO, Banijay Studios North America and Banijay Group President, David Goldberg will oversee the Group’s further expansion into English language territories and Latin America. Goldberg reports to Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay Group.
Banijay Studios North America is the second Banijay production entity in the region, alongside Bunim/Murray Productions, which joined the Group in 2010.
