Following the launch of its new production label in Italy earlier this year under Stefano Torrisi, Warner Bros. International Television Production has confirmed the senior leadership appointments for WBITVP Italia, marking a major step forward in its presence in the territory.
Pierangelo Marano joins as Head of Entertainment, taking creative and strategic lead on non-scripted programming. He will oversee the development and production of WBITVP and third-party entertainment formats produced by WBITVP Italia, and serve as Executive Producer across a growing portfolio, with a brief to deliver original, ambitious content that resonates both locally and internationally.
Marano brings extensive experience from Banijay Italia, where he developed and delivered hit entertainment and factual formats for both television and streaming. His previous senior positions at Endemol Italia, Magnolia and Pesci Combattenti include credits such as Big Brother, The Farm, Long Lost Family, Beauty and the Geek and Crónicas Marcianas.
Max Giammarrusti steps in as Head of Production, responsible for all operational aspects of non-scripted production, from budgeting and compliance to delivery and staffing. He will work closely with creative teams to ensure production excellence while supporting the company’s commercial and strategic growth.
Giammarrusti also joins from Banijay Italia, and his recent responsibilities include leading production teams for Masterchef, Lo Show dei Record (Guinness Book of World Records) and Che Tempo Che Fa, one of Italy’s most popular talk shows. He has also previously served as Executive Producer for the Endemol Shine Group for both scripted and unscripted shows.
Rounding out the appointments, Nicolás de las Peñas expands his current role as Business Director for WBITVP Spain and Portugal to also oversee finance and operations for the new Italian label. A trusted member of the WBITVP Spain & Portugal group since 2016, he has played a central role in driving the outfit’s operational delivery across their portfolio.
All three roles report to Stefano Torrisi, Managing Director of WBITVP Italia.
Ilan Astrug, VP Creative Format Acquisition at WBITVP’s London headquarters, who has supported WBITVP’s activity in the Italian market in recent years, including format licensing ahead of the launch of WBITVP in Italy, will continue to support the WBITVP Italia management team.
The new unit’s first production is the upcoming season of Primo Appuntamento (the Italian version of the hit UK format First Dates) for Discovery Real Time. With this series in production and these experienced new senior team members in place, WBITVP Italia is fully operational, with a remit to adapt standout international formats, originate local IP, and contribute to the group’s broader strategy of organic growth in key markets.
Stefano Torrisi, Managing Director of WBITV Italia, says: “I am thrilled to have Max, Pierangelo and Nicolás by my side, running this exciting new business. They are all highly skilled and respected in their roles, and their appointments only serve to demonstrate that we are not only committed to being a major force in the dynamic Italian television market, but that we are now also well and truly open for business.”
Ronald Goes, WBITVP President, adds: “Since announcing our plans for a local production unit in Italy earlier this year, we’ve been focused on building the strongest possible team around Stefano to lead it. Max and Pierangelo bring sharp insight, a deep understanding of the Italian market inside and out, and impressive international credentials. I’m equally delighted that Nicolás will join them, having agreed to take on this expanded role, so the team can draw on his extensive operational experience and working knowledge of the group. This is a major milestone for the business and, with Stefano’s leadership and this team in place, we have all the ingredients for WBITVP Italia to deliver standout programming, both in Italy and for the WBITVP group as a whole.”
