Banijay UK hires Claire O’Donohoe as Director of Programmes

Banijay UK has hired former Fox executive Claire O’Donohoe as its new Director of Programmes, where she will work with her long-time creative collaborator Natalka Znak, who was hired by the France-based production and distribution giant in December. In her role, O’Donohoe will work with the American buyers bringing UK formats from the creative teams at Remarkable Entertainment, Initial and Znak TV to the US market. She will also be tasked with “reinvigorating the legacy brands” for the UK.

O’Donohoe has more than two decades of non-scripted TV experience, serving as both commissioner and Senior Vice President, Head of Current at Fox Alternative Entertainment Studios. While in these roles she was primarily involved in commissioning and launching breakout hits including “The Masked Singer” and “I Can See Your Voice”.

The executive also produced US versions of UK formats “Wife Swap” and “Secret Millionaire” during a stint at Zodiak US, and past employers include ITV Studios and Endemol Shine, the latter of which was acquired by Banijay in 2020.

“Claire has worked on the most successful entertainment juggernauts on both sides of the Atlantic and is hugely respected throughout the industry. Her ability to spot a hit and supersize it, together with her contacts and knowledge in both the US and UK, make her a huge asset to the business,”  Znak said.

“Not only does Banijay have an incredible catalogue of legacy formats that are close to my heart, but there is a thrilling amount of new and exciting ideas to bring to both the UK and US markets,”  O’Donohoe added.