Banijay Group, the world’s largest independent content creation group for television and multimedia platforms, today announces that Marcus Wolter will become CEO of the newly created Banijay Germany from August 2018. In this new role Wolter will oversee all of Banijay Group’s operations in Germany including Brainpool and Banijay Productions Germany.

Formerly Endemol Shine’s Chairman Northern Europe and CEO Germany, Wolter will also become a shareholder of the group in Germany.

Marco Bassetti, CEO Banijay Group, comments, “Banijay Germany is a brand new umbrella company – created to take advantage of the myriad opportunities in this significant market. Our aim is to escalate the growth of our business across all genres to supply broadcasters and the many new multi-platform SVOD services in Germany with high-quality content. We will achieve this by developing organically through our existing German production house Brainpool and by creating additional labels and companies that will operate alongside this established and award-winning producer. Marcus is a truly inspirational guide and mentor and we are delighted to have him lead and nurture our teams in this key reorganisation at Group level.”

Marcus Wolter comments, “To assemble a new, independent group of entertainment companies in Germany with Banijay is a one-time opportunity. The DNA of Brainpool is about creativity and innovation, and it is regarded as the home base for many of the best talents in Germany. I am looking forward to building up Banijay in Germany and to working with Brainpool’s excellent team and artists.”

Until the end of 2017 Marcus Wolter worked for Endemol Shine as Chairman Northern Europe and CEO Germany. He joined Endemol 2008 as Managing Director and developed the company into Germany’s market leader by building up a group of German companies including fiction company Wiedemann & Berg, Florida TV, with hosts Joko & Klaas, and Herr P with host Jörg Pilawa.

Wolter started his career in the 90s as founder of the music publishing company Seegang Music. The company became one of the top 20 music companies in Germany. First hit of the start-up was Stefan Raab’s Böörti Vogts.

Later Wolter was part of the founding team of Viva, Germany’s first music channel. In 2002, Wolter sold his shares of the music company and became program director of Germany’s first interactive broadcaster, 9 Live. In 2003 he became managing director, and PSS1 Media AG acquired 100% of the channel. In addition to 9 Live, the group founded 9 Live International and sold the business model in eight countries around the world. Marcus Wolter was MD until he joined Endemol.