Endemol appoints MDs in South Africa
11 November 2008
Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced the appointment of Levern Engel and Sivan Pillay as joint managing directors of Endemol South Africa.
Levern Engel is a leading executive with over 10 years experience in entertainment production. She joined Endemol South Africa in January 2008 as head of infotainment and entertainment and has been in charge of all the group's productions across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. In this capacity she has also overseen Endemol South Africa's creative department, charged with the development of new IP for television and digital media platforms.
Levern previously held senior media industry roles in South Africa including head of Ochre Moving Pictures, a leading national production company specializing in drama, educational, factual-entertainment, youth and reality programming.
Sivan Pillay has over 10 years experience in commercial affairs, sponsorship, promotions, IP exploitation and sales. Since joining Endemol South Africa in 2000 he has been responsible for all of the company's business affairs across South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa, most recently as head of commercial business. Sivan also pioneered Endemol South Africa's digital media business with the launch of Mobivision in 2004, which has delivered innovative new business especially in the mobile space. His role has included brand exploitation across all media platforms, commercial partnerships, sponsorship and merchandising as well as driving the company's strategy for growth. As a leading executive in the national media industry he has appeared as a judge on the South African version of Popstars.
Levern and Sivan take up their new roles as joint managing directors of Endemol South Africa with immediate effect. Based in the company's offices in Johannesburg they will report to Marco Bassetti, chief operating officer of Endemol.
Marco Bassetti comments: ''Levern and Sivan are highly skilled professionals who have long and proven track records in their fields. Their combined experience in business affairs and entertainment production places Endemol South Africa under strong leadership and paves the way for further regional growth.''
