KM, part of Banijay France, today announces it is bolstering its senior management team with Catherine Alvaresse joining as CEO, effective immediately.
In this role, Alvaresse will define and oversee the factual label’s strategy, working closely with Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO at Banijay France. Aiming to strengthen the portfolio of projects in development, she will focus particularly on ramping up the label’s documentaries and current affairs programming. Bringing a wealth of experience and talent-base, Alvaresse will work hand-in-hand with the existing team of producers on shows like the new, recently announced Karl Lagerfeld documentary, Révélation, which will air on Canal+ this month, as well as other major docuseries in the pipeline, and long-running daily current affairs series 28 minutes, for Arte.
Alvaresse brings over two decades of industry expertise, most recently at France Télévisions where she was Director of Documentaries from 2019 to 2023. With key roles at Image & Compagnie, Off the Fence, Télé Images Group, Arte France and France 2, Alvaresse is known for her leadership. An active member of industry associations, she holds positions with the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) and is an honorary member of the mediaClub’Elles and the PDFM association, the two largest women media associations in France. Documentaries greenlit by Alvaresse received the Albert Londres Prize and two International Emmys in 2020 and 2022. Last year, l’Affaire d’Outreau received the Special Commendation from the jury at the Prix Europa Awards.
Alexia Laroche-Joubert, CEO at Banijay France says: “For this role we actively sought a personality with extensive international and broadcaster experience. Catherine’s past work with Arte and France Télévisons uniquely positions her to maintain and strengthen KM’s long-standing relationships with them. Her industry know-how, impressive credits, vast talent network and expertise in building compelling topics for broad audiences, makes her the ideal person to bolster KM’s position in the high-end factual space. She will also further develop the current affairs programming by collaborating with the teams behind 28 minutes.”
Catherine Alvaresse, CEO at KM comments: “KM stands out in the industry for creating and producing compelling and powerful factual programming; from real-life stories and documentaries to magazine formats. The company is well-positioned in the market, and with a strong appetite from viewers, I look forward to joining the next phase of growth, bringing my ideas and ambition to create content for audiences in France and internationally.”