Banijay Entertainment confirmed a combined leadership structure for its central scripted division, appointing Steve Matthews as Head of Scripted Creative and Johannes Jensen as Head of Scripted Business. Reporting to Frédéric Balmary, Chief Business Officer, the pair will work in unison to effectively support and partner with the group’s thriving portfolio of over 60 dedicated labels. Collaboratively steering the division, Matthews and Jensen will leverage their complementary expertise to evolve their current roles and ambitiously grow the group’s offering and position in the global scripted market. Balmary will continue to provide overarching direction.
In his expanded role, Matthews will drive creative vision across Banijay Entertainment’s vast global portfolio. Since joining in 2023, he has played a pivotal role in supporting the scripted community, fueling the storytelling pipeline, and spearheading initiatives to encourage collaboration across labels worldwide. In addition, he introduced Banijay Bootcamp to connect in-house development executives with emerging writers through immersive residencies.
Jensen takes the helm of the scripted division’s financial and operational strategy to boost performance, support shows to air, and foster sustainable growth. His new role extends his remit beyond his Head of Scripted, Banijay Nordic position. Having also led both Jarowskij and Yellow Bird, now merged as Jarowskij/ Yellow Bird, he has played an integral role in significantly uplifting scripted slates, with expertise in co-production, navigating complex industry changes, and driving long-term strategic expansion.
Frédéric Balmary, Chief Business Officer, Banijay Entertainment, said: “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. We are incredibly proud of our producers’ achievements in this space. 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.”
Steve Matthews, Head of Scripted, Creative, Banijay Entertainment, added: “The key is to support and empower editorial teams and to foster strong creative partnerships between them across Banijay Entertainment’s scripted network. In working together to develop enduring relationships with talent - established or emerging -, we will continue to grow the group’s reputation for first-class storytelling.”
Johannes Jensen, Head of Scripted Business, Banijay Entertainment, stated: “In an increasingly competitive environment, success is built on creating and exploiting the most powerful slate of scripted IP possible. Collaboration drives that success, and this new structure will align deal-making nous with creative prowess to ensure we remain globally influential.”
Denis Leroy, Senior Director, also sits within the central scripted division, specializing in sourcing and developing international scripted formats and book IPs. Leroy has led acclaimed adaptations like "SKAM," "Fleabag," and "La Caza." Monterpedido (Rivière-Perdue) in France and struck numerous deals for best-selling French IPs like Franck Thilliez and Michael Bussi.
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