SOUTH AFRICA – The newly created Trace Studios has appointed Sivan Pillay as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 10, 2022.
Trace Studios is the result of the acquisition by Trace of the Cape Town-based Okuhle Media Studios that were merged with Trace premium content production and distribution operations.
Trace Studios combines 19 years of experience and assets from Okuhle Media and Trace.
Sivan Pillay has over 25 years of expertise in music and television having begun his working career in a Durban music store and was quickly drafted into EMI Music South Africa.
Initially, working in sales before being promoted to International Promotions Manager.
Sivan joined Endemol South Africa in 2000, first in the Sponsorships and Licensing division, then as Head of Commercial and Digital Business in 2004 and as Managing Director in 2008.
Sivan was named CEO of Endemol Shine Africa after the global Endemol-Shine merger.
He has successfully led Endemol’s Creative and Production expansion with a list of Africa’s largest and most popular TV series, including Big Brother Africa, Isidingo, Survivor South Africa, Fear Factor, Project Fame West and East Africa, All You Need Is Love, and Deal or No Deal.
Over an eight-year period spanning 2008-2016, he also served as Executive Producer on over 125 major TV shows and commercial partnerships in Africa, as well as serving as a judge on SABC3’s successful series Coca-Cola PopStars in 2002.
After his Endemol years and until the end of 2021, Sivan was the founder and CEO of 360 Degrees South and Zero Gravity TV and Media where he developed over 40 TV formats that will be part of Trace Studios format catalog.
Sivan’s immediate goals are to establish Trace Studios as a premium creator, producer and distributor of TV and Film content for Africa and the world.
He intends to work with African and global partners to create successful world-class productions.
Sivan said: “This new role and responsibility make perfect sense as an extension of my entire career to create, produce and distribute premium content. At Trace, I have found a common desire and motivation to scale this plan on a global level. I am proud to lead a fantastic and passionate team that shares my vision and plan to make Trace Studios the go-to destination for the best TV and entertainment production.”
On his part, Olivier Laouchez, Trace Group Executive Chairman said: “Content is about Talent. Having a talent like Sivan is a major step to realizing one of Trace’s key objectives to be a leader in independent audio-visual production. Trace is extremely honored that Sivan has accepted to bring his vision and experience to Trace Studios.”
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