Yahoo Lifestyle Banijay Unveils New Leadership Structure for Scripted, Promotes Steve Matthews and Johannes Jensen
European TV giant Banijay Entertainment — whose more-than 60 labels have produced recent shows such as “Rogue Heroes,” “Ripley” and “The Rig” — has expanded the roles of two execs as it rejigs its global scripted division.
As part of a new combined leadership structure, Steve Matthews has been named head of scripted, creative and Johannes Jensen head of scripted, business. The two will work in unison and report to chief business officer, Frédéric Balmary, who will continue to lead overall strategic direction.
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HBO alumni Matthews joined Banijay as contents partnership executive in early 2023, reporting to Christian Wikander who served as global head of scripted until his departure in Feb. 2024. Since joining he has introduced various initiatives to encourage collaboration across the company’s labels worldwide, alongside setting up the he Banijay Bootcamp to connecting in-house development executives with emerging writers.
Jensen new role extends his current remit as head of scripted for Banijay Nordic, with him now taking the helm of the scripted division’s financial and operational strategy. Jensen previous led banners Jarowskij and Yellow Bird, now merged as Jarowskij/ Yellow Bird.
“Our scripted offering continues to go from strength-to-strength with a combined slate of new hits and successful returners scooping high-profile awards and widespread critical acclaim,” said Balmary. “We are incredibly proud of our producers’ achievements in this space and as we continue to grow, the refreshed roles for Steve and Johannes will strengthen our creative and business acumen, ensuring we continue to innovate and lead on the global stage.”
Also sitting within the newly arranged central scripted division is senior director Denis Leroy, who specialises in sourcing and developing international scripted formats and book IP. Leroy has led acclaimed adaptations like “SKAM,” “Fleabag” and “La Caza. Monterpedido,” in France, and struck numerous deals for best-selling French IP like Franck Thilliez and Michael Bussi.
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