Banijay Group has hired former Endemol exec Caroline Baumgard to serve as the Chief Creative Officer of their recently launched North American production division Banijay Studios North America.
Baumgard, who will take up her new post as Chief Creative Officer effective immediately, will be responsible for 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.
She will be based out of Banijay Studios North America’s offices in Los Angeles and will report to David Goldberg, CEO of Banijay Studios North America & Banijay Group President. The appointment reunites Baumgard and Goldberg, both of whom previously worked together at Endemol USA.
Caroline Baumgard joined Endemol USA in 2001, serving as Executive Vice-President of Development, and was responsible for developing both original ideas and format adaptations for the US market. The shows developed under her tenure at Endemol USA include Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Wipeout, Deal Or No Deal and syndicated talker Steve Harvey.
“For more than twelve years, Caroline’s skills and expertise in identifying and creating potential future hits were a key driving force in the growth of Endemol USA”, said David Goldberg, CEO of Banijay Studios North America and President of Banijay Group. “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.”
While Caroline 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.”
