Cathy Payne.
Distribution veteran Cathy Payne is stepping down as CEO of Endemol Shine International in early 2020.
Payne, who was promoted to CEO in 2014 following the merger of Endemol Worldwide Distribution and Shine International, told staff she is looking forward to a new challenge.
A former CEO of Southern Star International, she informed Sophie Turner Laing, CEO of Endemol Shine Group, and Wim Ponnet, chief of strategy and commercial officer, of her plans to depart some months back. Transition and recruitment plans are currently underway.
Ponnet wrote in the email: “Joining with the acquisition of Southern Star in 2009, first with Endemol Distribution Worldwide, and then as CEO of Endemol Shine International, Cathy has rightfully earned her reputation as one of the most highly regarded, commercially astute executives in the business.
“Her dedication, tenacity and competitive nature is legendary and her legacy as an all-time Endemol Shine ‘great’ is assured.”
Laing added: “Cathy is a simply brilliant sales leader and her contribution has been beyond exceptional. But I’m also respectful of her wishes for a new challenge.”