Following the $8 billion merger between Banijay and All3Media, Banijay Americas CEO Ben Samek is set to lead the newly combined company’s U.S. operations.
This announcement comes after Banijay and All3Media, which have characterized their merger as creating “the world’s largest independent production company,” completed their agreement earlier this month. The newly named Banijay Entertainment will have its headquarters in London and will be equally owned by Banijay Group and RedBird IMI. Jeff Zucker will serve as chairman, Marco Bassetti as CEO, and Jane Turton as deputy CEO.
Samek has been the CEO of Banijay Americas since February 2023. Prior to this, he held the roles of president and chief operating officer at Banijay Americas starting in 2018. The company oversees several notable production labels, including Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Truly Original, 51 Minds, Authentic Entertainment, Endemol Shine Boomdog, and Banijay Mexico.
Samek’s recent achievements include expanding “Somebody Feed Phil” from a Netflix series into a broader deal with YouTube. He has also led efforts to develop immersive experiences, extending intellectual property into new areas.
Before joining Banijay, Samek held various roles at Endemol USA and Endemol Shine North America, where he was instrumental in facilitating the transition following Banijay’s acquisition of the Endemol Shine Group.
Samek started his career at Bunim/Murray Productions and later earned an Emmy as a producer for “The Amazing Race.” He later became COO of 51 Minds Entertainment.
Under Samek’s leadership, Banijay Americas oversees successful franchises such as “Big Brother,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” “Below Deck,” “Below Deck Mediterranean,” “The Challenge,” “Deal or No Deal Island,” and “Lego Masters.” Meanwhile, All3Media Americas has been less active recently, but its Studio Lambert subsidiary has achieved significant success in the U.S. with Peacock’s “The Traitors.”
