Banijay France COO joins Dreamspark

European unscripted format firm Dreamspark has appointed a former ITV Studios and Banijay exec as its COO.

Sébastien Petiot takes up the role on 22 June and will also become a partner in the Paris-based company, which was founded by Moe Bennani and Julien Muresianu.

Petiot will work alongside Bennani to oversee the studio’s operations and lead its organisational structuring, supporting its growth strategy and driving the development of formats with broadcasters and international partners.

The former TF1 exec has had stints at Bnaijay-owned Adventure Line Productions (ALP) and ITV Studios France, before being named COO at Banijay France in 2023.

He was responsible for the group’s operational strategy and the coordination of its portfolio of labels.

The move is part of Dreamspark’s plan to expand internationally, building on a slate that includes Werewolves for Canal+ (with JAAD Productions and Presque Prod), The Power for W9 (with Studio 89), and Sea Battle for TF1 (with Satisfaction).

The company has also secured a handful of European launches, including Loups Garous Germany for ARD and The Power Germany for Joyn. Agency giant CAA represents the firm in the US.

Bennani said Petiot’s “leadership experience within major production groups, his deep understanding of the audiovisual ecosystem and his ability to structure growing organisations will help us accelerate the studio’s development in France and internationally and grow our brands across multiple territories.”

Petiot added: “In the current market, Dreamspark’s positioning as a creative and artistic production studio for original formats with international potential feels particularly relevant.”