Tiger Aspect's Zein heads to Warner TV

Tiger Aspect managing director Andrew Zein is departing his post to join the new Warner Brothers International Television unit, it has emerged.

Zein, a committed champion of the independent production sector, will officially leave Tiger Aspect in the next few months after 13 years at the firm.

At Warner Bros, Zein will become senior vice president for creative, format development and sales in the new international TV production division. He will report to Ronald Goes, executive vice president of the unit which was established last August.

"We couldn't be happier to have Andrew join our team. The experience that he brings to our group after many years as a hands-on producer and as managing director of Tiger Aspect will be invaluable," said Goes.

"He has sharp creative instincts and is a growth-oriented business strategist, the perfect skill set for our new venture. I can't wait to begin working with him."

Since becoming managing director of Tiger Aspect in 2001, Zein has overseen development of a variety of successful formats, including The Catherine Tate Show and Benidorm.

He was previously chairman of the UK Producers Alliance of Cinema and Television and has a reputation for fighting to ensure independent firms get a fair share in the success of their shows.

Last November, Endemol acquired Tiger Aspect and Darlow Smithson Productions from IMG in a combined deal reportedly worth £30 million.

Despite receiving offers from Endemol to stay at Tiger, Zein said that he was motivated to move by the "unique opportunity" on the table from Warner Bros.

"It's so rare that a US studio the quality of Warner Bros decides it wants to be involved in the international production stage in such a major way," he said.

"As much as I've adored working at Tiger and feel confident about its future, I couldn't turn this down."