Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today confirms the promotion of Alexia Laroche-Joubert to Chief Executive Officer, Banijay France. Taking full oversight of the French portfolio, which comprises 15 labels spanning non-scripted and scripted, she will be tasked with evolving and diversifying the pipeline, attracting new talent, identifying new areas for growth, and driving collaboration with the wider group internationally to maximise on exploitation opportunities. The appointment takes effect from 1 September 2023.
Laroche-Joubert takes on the post after a significant tenure with Banijay, where, since 2016, she has served as Chief Executive Officer for Adventure Line Productions (ALP), and recently launched scripted label, Screen Line Productions.
Recognised as one of the 100 Women of Culture for 2022, Laroche-Joubert is credited for huge stints executive producing TF1’s Koh Lanta (Survivor), on-air for 20+ years; and France 2’s Fort Boyard which has enjoyed a 30+-year run to date, and for reshaping beauty contest event, Miss France, leading it to the top three most watched non-scripted shows in France.
A creative visionary, Laroche-Joubert has had a multi-faceted career, both as a leading producer on titles like M6’s Loft Story (Big Brother), TF1’s Star Academy and Secret Story, and W9’s Les Ch’tis and Les Marseillais, and on-screen, in a multitude of roles such as a juror for Popstars in France. Prior to Banijay, she spent 10+ years in the Canal+ group and became Editor-in-Chief at TF1. Before that, she was Director of Programmes at Endemol France under Stéphane Courbit’s leadership. Now she will be entrusted with building on Banijay France’s success to date, reporting to Banijay’s Chief Executive Officer, Marco Bassetti, having worked with the group’s Chairman, Stéphane Courbit, for 25+ years.
Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay: “Alexia has been a leading force for us in France for a number of years, and with entrepreneurialism and creative spirit at her core, she is the perfect profile to lead our French operations from here-on-in. Hugely respected, strategic and with a brilliant repertoire of credits, we have no doubt her experience and knowledge will be invaluable in driving the business to new heights, as we look to further diversify and enhance the offering.”
Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO, Banijay France: “From start-ups, to well-established labels like ALP, I have led a career underpinned by entrepreneurialism and at Banijay, I’ve found a home where I can continue to indulge my creative passions. Stepping up to lead Banijay France was the logical next step, and I am proud to be taking on this challenge. We have an incredibly strong production offering and I look forward to collaborating with the MDs and their teams to drive diversification, further format exploitation, cross-company collaboration and importantly, attract new talent. I will forever be thankful for Stéphane and Marco’s support over the years and for now handing me the reins, and am hugely appreciative to François de Brugada, who leaves the business as the country’s number one producer.”