All3Media International’s Jonathan Hughes Exits For ITV Studios After Banijay Merger
Jonathan Hughes, a senior sales executive at All3Media International, is leaving the company after ten years to join ITV Studios, becoming its Vice President for Germany and Benelux Sales. The move is the latest in a string of senior departures from All3Media International following the completion of its merger with Banijay earlier this month, a deal that created the largest production studio outside the major US players and combined two significant programme distribution businesses. Banijay's management had already signalled it would seek savings from the merged distribution unit, which is now known as Banijay Rights.
Hughes led sales across German-speaking Europe, France and the Benelux region, handling titles such as Midsomer Murders, All Creatures Great and Small and Fleabag, and previously spent eight years at Optomen International before it was acquired by All3 in 2010. Alongside his hire, ITV Studios promoted Louisa Forsyth to Vice President of UK and Ireland Sales; both will report to Jemma Harvey, ITV Studios' EVP for EMEA and UK Sales and Distribution. Other recent All3Media International exits include chief executive Louise Pedersen, COO Sara Geater and corporate development director Steven Brown, while Banijay's Cathy Payne now leads the combined Banijay Rights unit.
In short
- Jonathan Hughes leaves All3Media International for ITV Studios after Banijay merger
- Latest in a wave of senior exits from the merged distribution business
- Louisa Forsyth also promoted to VP of UK and Ireland Sales at ITV Studios
Explained simply
The television production and distribution sector has experienced significant consolidation after All3Media International merged with Banijay, a deal completed earlier this month. This created one of the world's largest independent production studios outside the major American entertainment companies, combining two major programme makers and distributors.
All3Media International was known for a library of popular television programmes including Midsomer Murders, Fleabag and All Creatures Great and Small, which it sold and licensed to broadcasters worldwide. The company maintained specialist sales teams across different regions to manage these programmes in their respective markets.
Following the merger, Banijay's leadership indicated it would seek cost savings from the combined distribution operation, now operating as Banijay Rights. This type of restructuring after major media mergers typically prompts senior executives to seek opportunities elsewhere, as companies consolidate roles and eliminate duplication.
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