Two Joint MDs for Endemol SA

Based in the company's offices in Johannesburg, they will report to Marco Bassetti, COO of Endemol.

Marco Bassetti comments: “Levern and Sivan are highly skilled professionals who have long and proven track records in their fields. Their combined experience in business affairs and entertainment production places Endemol South Africa under strong leadership and paves the way for further regional growth.”

Levern Engel has over 10 years' experience in entertainment production. She joined Endemol SA in January 2008 as head of infotainment and entertainment and has been in charge of all the group's productions across SA and sub-Saharan Africa. In this capacity, she has also overseen Endemol SA's creative department, charged with the development of new IP for television and digital media platforms.

Engel previously held senior media industry roles in SA, including head of Ochre Moving Pictures, a national production company specialising in drama, educational, factual-entertainment, youth and reality programming.

Sivan Pillay has over 10 years' experience in commercial affairs, sponsorship, promotions, IP exploitation and sales. Since Joining Endemol SA in 2000, he has been responsible for all of the company's business affairs across SA and sub-Saharan Africa, most recently as head of commercial business. Pillay also pioneered Endemol SA's digital media business with the launch of Mobivision in 2004, which has delivered innovative new business especially in the mobile space.

His role has included brand exploitation across all media platforms, commercial partnerships, sponsorship and merchandising, as well as driving the company's strategy for growth. He has also appeared as a judge on the South African version of Popstars.

Endemol SA's current productions include a third series of Big Brother Africa for M-Net, which broadcasts across over 40 countries on the African continent; hit daily soap Isidingo for SABC3, which is now in its 10th year; popular game show Doen met 'n Miljoen for kykNET and Advance Warning for MTV Base Africa.

Shows coming soon include game show hit The Kids Are All Right for SABC1, entertainment show Forgive and Forget for e.tv and Nigerian talent show Let's Dance for M-Net.

Endemol comprises an international network of companies that spans 25 countries on five continents including the USA, the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as Latin America, India, SA and Australia. It is owned by a consortium consisting of Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, Mediaset Group and Cyrte Group.