Banijay Nordic today announces the appointment of entertainment leader, Kristian Farcin-Leth, as CEO of Mastiff Denmark. Joining from Fremantle-owned Strong Productions, where he most recently served as CEO, he brings a wealth of experience to the role and has been tasked with building on the previous success of the business to drive further growth opportunities across both scripted and unscripted.

Under Farcin-Leth’s leadership, Strong has bolstered its position as an incredibly well- reputed label, behind hits like The Farm, Race Across The World, Celebrity Boot Camp and the Danish Academy Award-winning scripted series, Outlaw.

An existing friend of Banijay Nordic, he previously served as a successful Programme Director for Mastiff, and also worked with Nordisk Film TV. Returning in his new capacity as CEO, he will work with the entity’s brilliant team to expand and diversify the company’s pipeline of original standout programming. He reports to Banijay’s Nordic Group COO, Karoline Spodsberg, and Mastiff Chairman and Nordic Group CEO, Jacob Houlind.

Nordic Group CEO, Jacob Houlind, comments: “With unrivalled knowledge of the Danish market having been a cross-genre producer, creator and manager, Kristian couldn’t be better placed to take on the reins of the company. Sitting at the helm of a portfolio of best-in-class talent and formats, there is huge opportunity to further grow the slate of premium programming and build on Mastiff’s existing track record as a market-leading entertainment powerhouse.”

Nordic Group COO Karoline Spodsberg comments: Today, talent and importantly, talent leadership is integral for success. Kristian has both the management profile and experience to strategically nurture Mastiff Denmark’s growth, and genre maturity. We are looking forward to seeing the company prosper under his direction.”

Farcin-Leth added: “Mastiff is led by some of the very best creatives in the business, so it is hugely exciting to be asked to take on this challenge. The range and quality produced across the genres is unparalleled and, I’ll do all I can to help the continued growth and development. I’ve had five wonderful years at Strong, but the scope and ambition of the new role made the return to Mastiff irresistible, and I look forward to strengthening our position for the future. A future that requires us to dare to be modern and creative both in terms of management and development.”

Farcin-Leth replaces long-serving Mastiff CEO, Mads Ulrick Holmstrup, following his decision to step down from the role after 20 years with the company. The company is one of the leading labels in Banijay’s Nordic group portfolio and most recently was behind titles including Drag Me Out, which has just been picked up in Norway, and Wild Wonderful Denmark.