The Scandinavian production group Metronome, part of the Shine group, announced today that Marika Makaroff will be the new Managing Director of Friday TV AB in Sweden. She will take over from Simon Romanus who has operated as the company’s interim MD since May 2013. Simon will resume his post as Head of Development with the company.
Marika Makaroff has over 17 years’ experience of working in the TV industry. She has a career in front of the camera as well as behind as both a successful developer, producer of drama and entertainment, and was most recently Managing Director of FremantleMedia in Finland. Marika Makaroff said: “I am very happy and excited to join the Shine Group and work with the extremely talented creative professionals of Friday TV. I am well aware of the impressive history that Friday TV has with its formats and it will be my privilege and joy to lead this accomplished company.” Gary Carter, Shine Group Chairman Northern Europe, said: “Marika Makaroff has an exemplary track record in the media industry. She is a rare combination of creativity, entrepreneurialism and leadership. I am so pleased that she has decided to accept the challenge of leading Friday TV during this next phase of the company’s life. Friday has distinguished itself as source of innovative formats in the Nordics and globally, and Marika has all the skills necessary to build on its international reputation. I am very happy to make this announcement.” Friday TV is a Swedish development company and during the last year our biggest export company of TV formats. During 2011 and 2012 ”Minute to win it” (”Minuten”) became he world’s bestsellingTV-format. ”Clash of the Choirs” (”Körslaget”) have been sold to 18 countries, including, as a great success, to China. Other formats from Friday TV, recently or under production in Sweden, is ”Single Moms” (”Ensam mamma söker”) and ”Last Chef Standing” (”Kockarnas Kamp”).