Lucas Green and James Townley
Banijay announced the elevation of James Townley and Lucas Green. Continuing to oversee Creative Networks, the group’s non-scripted operation, the pair will now operate as Chief Content Officer of Development and Chief Content Officer of Operations, respectively.
As Chief Content Officer of Development, Townley maintains his position in enhancing unscripted development across the group at-large, while also overseeing third-party format acquisition. Expanding his remit to include documentary, his department continues to manage all group level investment in non-scripted, including the Creative Fund, which to date has already supported the evolution of original traveling formats “Blow Up” (EndemolShine Nederland), “Love Triangle” (Endemol Shine Australia) and “Starstruck” (Remarkable).
In the Chief Content Officer of Operations role, Green partners with the group’s non-scripted labels worldwide to drive production efficiency and creative best practice. Bringing producers together, he and his team support, scrutinize and champion existing formats to ensure high-quality output, innovative production methods, favorable margins, and unrivaled global footprints. Establishing healthy production ecosystems, his team provides production consultancy to implement Banijay’s vast collection of format bibles. One further key aim is the ongoing expansion, success, and brand integrity of superbrands such as “Big Brother,” “Survivor,” “MasterChef,” “Temptation Island,” and their spin-offs. Recently evolving the role, he also takes responsibility for ESG (environment, social and governance) across the unscripted portfolio, in keeping with the business’ overarching goals in this area.
Taking effect immediately, both parties report to Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti. “James and Lucas have been fantastic forces for Creative Networks, ensuring a productive, well-travelled non-scripted pipeline. Creative reinvestment, efficiency and rights retention are all central to our global strategy, and to date, the pair have been key in championing these elements across the group globally. While the market has its challenges, we have a robust operation in place to maintain the high standards of delivery and innovation our buyers have become accustomed to, and ultimately, our leading position in international formats,” Bassetti said.