Banijay’s chairman of the Americas Cris Abrego has been named chairman of the New York-based Television Academy for 2024-2025, succeeding present incumbent Frank Scherma.

Cris Abrego

Starting his two-year term on January 1, Abrego will oversee an organisation that has nearly 2,000 members, organises the Emmy Awards and has represented the interests of the screen sector since its formation in 1946.

Abrego will perform his new duties alongside his existing roles at Banijay and as CEO of Hyphenate Media Group, the Banijay-backed outfit he runs with US actor and producer Eva Longoria (Desperate Houeswives).

Over the course of his career, the veteran executive has headed up numerous prodcos, including CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings and co-founder of 51 Minds Entertainment.

Abrego said: “I am honoured to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business.

“Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the world — our content drives local and global economies and has a formative impact on our culture.

“As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic shifts, I look forward to linking arms with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our membership as we forge the path ahead together.”

The TV Academy also announced incoming officers Sharon Lieblein as vice chair; Rickey Minor as 2nd vice chair; Allison Binder as secretary; and Ann Leslie Uzdavinis as treasurer.

Additionally, the Academy has added the title of CEO to its president Maury McIntyre, renewing his contract until 2026. Officers whose contracts have been extended to 2025 are CFO and new CCO Heather Cochran, and chief marketing officer and senior VP of media and brand management, Susan Spencer.