Marina Williams is CEO, Endemol - central & eastern Europe

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent | London
Endemol, a entertainment programming provider, has appointed Marina Williams as CEO, central and eastern European operations.

Marina will oversee Endemol's operations across Russia, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, Greece and will be responsible for driving forward the Group's expansion throughout the region. 

Marina has seventeen years experience in the television business and has been behind the launch and operations of international and local channels.

In her most previous role, Marina has been executive vice-president and a member of the Management Board of Central European Media Enterprises (CME), the leading television broadcaster in the region, with stations reaching approximately 91 million people. 

Marco Bassetti, chief operating officer, Endemol, says, "Central and eastern Europe is one of the fastest growing TV markets in the world and is one of the focal points of our growth strategy. It is therefore essential that we have someone who can operate at the highest level to lead our expansion in this market."

Marina Williams adds, "Endemol has already established a significant presence in central and eastern Europe. By expanding and diversifying the group's local output, distribution and geographical presence our ambition is to make Endemol one of the principal players in this market."

Endemol currently has local operating companies in Russia, Poland and Turkey. Forthcoming and current productions include Big Brother, Operacion Triunfo and The Kids Are All Right in Poland; Wipeout and Deal or No Deal in Turkey as well as 1 vs. 100 and drama series The Heritage in Russia.

Endemol's shows have also been licensed in territories across Central and Eastern Europe including Greece, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Balkans, Bulgaria and Ukraine.