Endemol has hired former Maker Studios executive Will Keenan to run its new digital division, the company announced on Tuesday.
The company has already pledged $40 million to this division, Endemol beyond, for the development and production of new shows.
Keenan will also be looking to uncover rising stars across the globe and acquire smaller companies that could bring executive talent with digital savvy into Endemol’s growing division.
Also read: Top Maker Studios Executive Will Keenan Exits the Company (Exclusive)
The international TV giant behind “Big Brother” and “Deal or No Deal” wants to build a network of digital channels and shows as formidable as its TV offerings.
Keenan brings a wealth of experience in the digital video space from his time at Maker Studios, where he helped build the massive network from a few hundred million views a month to several billion.
Also read: Endemol North America Taps Cris Abrego and Charlie Corwin as Co-CEOs
A producer of more than two dozen films, Keenan also brought along Hollywood connections and initiated partnerships with Snoop Dogg, Margaret Cho and Kevin Smith.
Endemol Beyond will make shows for all of the largest digital platforms, from YouTube to Yahoo.
Keenan’s arrival at Endemol comes just a few months after former Endemol CEO Ynon Kreiz took the helm of Maker.