BBC Worldwide's Smith pursued as potential Endemol boss

by Staff, Brand Republic 07-Apr-08, 11:10

LONDON - BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith is on the shortlist to take over as boss of 'Big Brother' producer Endemol.

According to reports, Smith has been approached by the head-hunter in charge of finding a new chief executive for Endemol, Spencer Stuart.

Since last July, Aat Schouwenaar has been standing in as chief executive at Endemol. The company was sold for £2.4bn by Spanish telecoms company Telefonica to private investors, including Endemol co-founder John de Mol.

Peter Bazalgette, chairman and UK chief executive, left the company following the IPO, in September last year.

The company has been hit by falling revenues after the scandal over television phone-ins last year. Its show 'Brainteaser' was taken off the air by Five after the broadcaster was fined £300,000 for faking results.

John Smith has been running BBC Worldwide since July 2004 and is responsible for its businesses, including magazines, digital media, global television sales and global channels.