Bessi named Newen Studios CEO
December 8, 2021
Romain Bessi has been appointed CEO of Newen Studios, where he will succeed Bibiane Godfroid. Bessi will assume the role from January 31st 2022.
Newen Studios has more than tripled in size since it was acquired by the TF1 group. As Newen Studios emerges from this expansion phase, Godfroid has decided to free up more time for developing new personal projects.
Bessi’s main focus will be to further enhance Newen’s growth both in France and internationally, continue to attract and retain the best talents, and strengthen value-creating synergies between Newen group entities.
Bessi joined the Newen group as Managing Director in 2018. He took on an extra role heading up TF1 Studio in 2019, and since the start of 2021 has supervised all Newen Studios operations.
Pélisson, Chairman and CEO of the TF1 group, commented: “I would like to thank Bibiane Godfroid for her exceptional contribution at the helm of Newen Studios over the last three years. Her vision and talent have enabled Newen Studios become an established player in the audiovisual industry, in France and now internationally too. I wish Romain Bessi every success in his new role, convinced that his background, experience and professionalism uniquely qualify him to continue driving Newen Studios forward and strengthen ties with broadcasters and platforms in France and abroad. At a time of heightened competition, Romain Bessi and all his colleagues can continue to count on the active support of the TF1 group.”
Godfroid added: “During my six years at Newen Studios I have had the privilege of working with great people, exploring new avenues, and creating new content. Thanks to the teams at Newen Studios, both in France and internationally, Newen Studios is today one of Europe’s foremost producers and distributors. I’ve now decided to put my personal goals above my work goals, but I will stay in close touch with the audiovisual industry and its talents. I would like to thank Gilles Pélisson for his unwavering support, and everyone at Newen Studios – especially Romain Bessi, who is taking over from me.”
Bessi said: “The last few years have witnessed the transformation of Newen Studios into a dynamic, major established player, with a diversified mix of genres, geographies and activities. Our talents, and their complementarity, are our strength. Together we will further develop the Group, with ambition and kindness, while staying true to our authentic European roots and our core mission: create the best stories and bring them to the rest of the world. I would like to thank Gilles Pélisson for his trust in me, his encouragement, and for having consistently supported Newen Studios on its great journey. And of course, I would particularly like to thank Bibiane Godfroid. We have chalked up some fine achievements and shared some great times, and I hope that she will enjoy more of the same – or even better – in the future.”