Newly launched global content creator, producer and distributor, Endemol Shine Group, which brings together Endemol, Shine and CORE Media, announced further senior appointments as part of the company’s new structure.

Former Endemol UK CEO, Lucas Church, has been appointed Chairman of Endemol Shine UK, whilst former Endemol UK Chief Operating Officer, Richard Johnston, becomes CEO of Endemol Shine UK.

Working with Church, Johnston will oversee and support Endemol Shine UK’s companies and labels that fall under the newly combined UK operation, which include Artists Studio, Brown Eyed Boy, DSP, Dragonfly, Fifty Fathoms, House of Tomorrow, Initial, Kudos, Lovely Day, Princess Productions, Remarkable Television, Shine North, Shine Soho, Shine TV, Tiger Aspect, Tigress and Zeppotron.

Together these are behind a diverse range of hits including Big Brother, Black Mirror, Broadchurch, Deal or No Deal, Grantchester, Masterchef, Mr. Bean, One Born Every Minute, Peaky Blinders, Pointless, Sunday Brunch, The Fall, The Island, The Million Pound Drop, Vicious, 8 out of 10 Cats and many more.

In addition, Church takes on the role of Chairman, Group Commercial Board at Endemol Shine Group with a brief to globally coordinate and initiate commercial business in areas including digital video, gaming, apps and brand relations, ensuring that new ideas and initiatives are shared across the group.

It was also announced that Shine Group Chief Operating Officer Tim Robinson will step down in the Spring. In the meantime Robinson will continue to work closely with the new group management team, transitioning his particular areas of responsibilities within Endemol Shine Group.

“Lucas and Richard have both played a central role in driving the expansion of Endemol’s traditional television business as well as innovating into new areas like online digital video,” said Tim Hincks, who as President of Endemol Shine Group, will continue to have oversight of the UK. “They are ideally suited to help grow the new group’s wide ranging UK operations and international commercial initiatives.”

“I’m really looking forward to working with everyone across the new international group, whilst overseeing the UK business alongside Richard,” said Lucas Church. “We have incredibly exciting opportunities ahead, with amazing shows and brands that attract fans all over the world and across all forms of content.”

“The production companies that now sit together within Endemol Shine UK are amongst the best in the business and behind some of the biggest international hits to come out of the UK,” said Richard Johnston. “It’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with the brilliant talent behind each of these and the key aim is to empower and back them in every possible way.”

“Tim Robinson is owed huge gratitude for his time as COO at Shine and I’d like to personally thank him for his support and the insight he has contributed over recent months which has helped shape the new group’s structure,” said Sophie Turner Laing CEO, Endemol Shine Group. “I wish him the very best in whatever the future may hold for him.”

“It has been six hugely enjoyable years with Shine and now is the right point for me to leave and the new team take the company into its next chapter,” said Tim Robinson. “I have no doubt the exceptional producers and astute commercial colleagues that I have had the privilege of working with over these years will flourish supported by the new group team, and am very happy to continue to be around for the next few months to help this process and get those relationships underway.”

Lucas Church started his career in television in 1992 when he was appointed Head of Business Affairs at Initial, which went on to become part of Endemol UK. He has held numerous senior management positions at Endemol UK including Commercial Director, Joint Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, in addition to formerly being Chair of Endemol’s Group Commercial Board.

Richard Johnston began his TV career in 1996 when he became Financial Controller of Broadcast Communications, which went on to become Endemol UK. During his time at Endemol UK he has held a number of other senior management positions including Joint Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer.

Tim Robinson has performed a number of roles since joining Shine Group in 2008 including Commercial Director, Europe; Deputy CEO of Metronome (now Shine Nordics) and COO of Shine Australia. He has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2013.