News & Events

Endemol snap up Disney exec

Date posted:

27th August 2008

Man responsible for Desperate Housewives to use his magic at European Endemol

Disney's Tom Toumazis has been announced as Endemol's new chief commercial officer.

The post, which will see Mr Toumazis report to Ynon Kreiz, the company's chief executive officer, will put the ex-Disney chief in charge of further expanding Endemol's distribution business.

Mr Kreiz said of Mr Toumazis that he is a "world-class executive of the highest calibre…an exceptionally skilled operator [who] couldn't be more qualified to lead the expansion of our commercial activities and growth of our distribution business".

Currently Endemol has almost 2,500 formats under its wings, and is responsible for shows such as Big Brother and Deal or No Deal.

Mr Toumazis' role will be to ensure Endemol is recognised in as many countries as possible, and comes at a time when broadcasters are already squeezed by falling marketing revenues, and increased online TV viewing.

Endemol's current director of commercial and creative affairs, Mike Morley, is leaving in October, and Mr Toumazis is set to replace him.

At Disney, Mr Toumazis was responsible for acquiring Desperate Housewives, and it is hoped that his eye for scouting popular hits for Endemol will keep the company at the forefront of television production.

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