David Goldberg Executive Suite - H 2012
Christopher PateyDavid Goldberg is ending his 13-year tenure at Endemol North America. The company announced Tuesday that the chairman and ceo is stepping down at the end of the year.
“Leaving my position as Chairman and CEO of Endemol North America is bitter-sweet,” said Goldberg. “It is time for me to try something new and I am excited about the possibilities. I am incredibly proud of the remarkable group of executives, producers and companies that I assembled over the last thirteen years and all that we accomplished together. It has been a privilege to be entrusted with building Endemol’s business in North America. I am leaving Endemol North America in fantastic shape. 2013, in particular, has been defined by a succession of new sales, returning hits and exciting opportunities. Among this year’s many triumphs, our first foray into syndicated daytime with Steve Harvey has been more successful than I could have imagined. Steve is an incredible talent and a fantastic partner. I look forward to continuing to play a part in that success story.”
Golberg will continue to consult for Steve Harvey, one of the biggest daytime success stories of the last year that saw so many new talkers enter the fray. As for his replacement, further announcements on the company’s senior management will be made closer to Goldberg’s departure.
Endemol USA’s roster of reality hits under Goldberg includes Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Fear Factor and Wipeout. He also oversaw the launch of a scripted studio in 2011.
“David helped ensure Endemol USA grew from a start-up company into one of America’s most significant content creators and producers,” said Endemol group president Tim Hincks. “We are hugely grateful for what he has achieved and the company is in great shape for the future. As a highly respected colleague and a friend, we wish him every success with whatever he chooses to do next and we’re delighted that he’ll be continuing to work with us on one of our biggest U.S. successes, Steve Harvey.”
Though scripted efforts such as ABC’s short-lived Red Widow and AMC’s Low Winter Sun have kept Endemol Studios busy, Endemol USA’s flagship reality efforts have waned. Both Extreme Makeover and Fear Factor were canceled in the last two years — and ABC’s Wipeout recently suffered its lowest-rated summer to date, putting its future in jeopardy. Unscripted efforts have thrived on cable, however, with Jerseylicious (Style) and Freakshow (AMC) both in the company’s catalog.
Endemol USA has also acquired several notable production company’s under Goldberg, including Authentic Entertainment (Here Comes Honey Boo Boo), 51 Minds (Surreal Life), Original Media (Ink Masters) and True Entertainment (Real Housewives of Atlanta).
The company’s first foray into daytime syndication with Harvey has been an unequivocal success. The comedian’s daily talker was the biggest launch of the last year, outperforming high profile competition from Katie Couric.
“David Goldberg is the reason I’m hosting this talk show,” said Harvey. “He had the vision and belief in me. There is a balance that makes a show a hit and David Goldberg is a part of that balance, so it’s comforting to know that he will continue as a partner and consultant.”
