Cris Abrego Becomes First Latino Elected Chair of Television Academy Foundation

Cris Abrego is making history…

The Latino television executive, who was recently named Banijay’s Chairman of the Americas and president and CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings, has been elected chair of the Television Academy Foundation.

Cris Abrego

Abrego becomes the first Latino to hold the office; his two-year term will begin January 1 and run through December 31, 2022.

Other officers elected to serve two-year terms at the Television Academy’s charitable arm include Vice Chair Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder; Treasurer Deborah Bradley, president of Bungalo Homes, Amherst; and Secretary Billie Greer, a public policy advisor and consultant.

Abrego succeeds Madeline Di Nonno, the CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, who served two consecutive terms. She’ll remain on the Foundation’s board of directors, and with Thomas Sarnoff will continue to serve on the foundation’s Executive Committee as Chair Emeritus and Founding Chair Emeritus, respectively.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve as Foundation chair and look forward to working with the board and staff as we build a more inclusive entertainment business,” Abrego said. “During these unprecedented times, we are expanding our reach to serve an even greater number of diverse students from across the country, advancing the Foundation’s goals of helping to shape the careers of the next generation of television professionals.”

Abrego’s oversight includes Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Stephen David Entertainment and Yellow Bird U.S.

In Latin America, Abrego also oversees Endemol Shine Latino, the company’s Spanish- and Portuguese-language sales and development division.

Cris Abrego Named Chairman of the Americas for Banijay

Cris Abrego is leading the Americas charge…

The Latino entertainment executive has been appointed as the head of Banijay across the U.S. and Latin America.

Cris Abrego

The 51 Minds Entertainment co-founder scored the top job after Banijay closed its acquisition of Endemol Shine. He becomes Chairman of the Americas, Banijay and President and CEO, Endemol Shine Holdings, reporting to CEO Marco Bassetti.

Abrego, who was previously CEO, Endemol Shine North America and Chairman, Endemol Shine Americas, will oversee companies including Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds, Stephen David Entertainment and YellowBird US as well as Endemol Shine Latino.

Banijay Studios North America will continue to be run independently by President and CEO, David Goldberg.