EXCLUSIVE: Sharon Levy is moving on from Endemol Shine North America.
Levy, a well-known member of the unscripted television community, is leaving the MasterChef producer after nearly ten years.
Deadline understands that Levy has a new job that she will start in the new year, but it’s unclear where she’s heading, for now. Some sources have suggested a rival production group or a move into the creator economy.
Her departure follows the merger of Banijay and All3Media earlier this year with Ben Samek installed as CEO of Banijay Americas, the division that oversees ESNA.
Levy has overseen a number of major shows at the production company since joining in August 2017. This includes recent reboots of classic IP such as Fear Factor: House of Fear, which has been renewed for a second season at Fox after its launch in January, Deal or No Deal Island, which ran for two seasons on NBC and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition at ABC.
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The company also produces Lego Masters for Fox and produced The Summit for CBS.
On the scripted side, she shepherded Ripley, the Andrew Scott-fronted miniseries based on Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, that was a hit on Netflix after moving from Showtime. That series received 14 Emmy nominations and won four statuettes.
Levy joined Endemol Shine North America as President, Unscripted and Scripted TV, having joined from Spike TV, where she was a buyer as EVP, Original Series. She was promoted to Chief Content Officer in September 2020 and to Chief Executive in January 2023.
Levy told Deadline, “My time at ESNA has been exceptionally rewarding, but after nine amazing years, I’ve decided it’s the right time for my next challenge. I am immensely proud of everything our team built together and deeply grateful for the wonderful partners, talent, and colleagues I’ve worked with along the way.”
“Sharon has played an integral role in building ESNA into the creative powerhouse it is today, and her influence has been felt across Banijay America and the wider Banijay group,” a Banijay Americas spokesperson added. “She has built a varied and healthy slate of titles that continue to thrive year over year, spanning global franchises, creative IP extensions and scripted hits. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and vision, and on behalf of our colleagues globally, we wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”
