Drama specialist The Ink Factory has hired Rod Henwood as Chief Strategy Officer to develop both “new and existing franchises across multiple platforms.”
He will be responsible for “strategy, partnerships, story-world development and marketing.” He is also taking a seat on The Ink Factory board of directors.
The former CEO of Zodiak in the UK, Benelux and India was also a “key player” in the launch of both Channel 4’s 4oD and JK Rowling’s Pottermore,
He has held roles within organisations including Zodiak Media, ITV, Channel 4 and Fox Kids.
Prior to joining The Ink Factory, Henwood was CEO of Zodiak Media in the UK, Benelux and India, responsible for nine production companies under the Zodiak umbrella, leaving in November 2016 following its €1bn merger with Banijay Group in February of that year. Henwood also held the role of founding investor and CEO at Bin Weevils Ltd, a BAFTA-winning children’s social world website, and was behind Channel 4’s involvement in Project Kangaroo, the online TV joint venture between ITV, Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide.
Simon and Stephen Cornwell, Co-Founders of The Ink Factory, said: “Rod is a trailblazer in the entertainment world, and it is great to have him join our ranks. We are thrilled that Rod is transitioning to a full-time role at The Ink Factory, where we have been benefitting from his brilliant commercial guidance for some months already. As we continue to rewrite the rules as an independent studio and explore new frontiers of storytelling, we are delighted to have him at our side.”
Henwood added: “Along with many others, I’ve long been an admirer of what The Ink Factory has achieved in building a global independent studio, responsible for creative and commercial hits across both television and film – as well as being a fan of the works of John le Carré. What’s most exciting about joining Simon and Stephen and their wonderfully talented team is that the scale of their ambition matches the opportunities that exist today: to partner with great story-tellers and adapt their works in multiple forms globally, from TV and film, to games and physical experiences – all at a time when premium quality story-telling has never been more highly valued. I have been working with the company for the last year on a number of exciting projects, so joining them formally now is both a natural extension and (for me) a special moment.”
Henwood continues to serve as chairman of InQuisiTiVe Media, an on-demand television and games company specialising in creating and packaging “intelligent quiz shows for the discerning viewer” and founded by Henwood alongside Nick James and Marc-Antoine d’Halluin in 2017. This year the company is launching IQTV, a niche SVOD service featuring key titles from BBC Worldwide, Banijay Rights and Channel 4.
Jon Creamer
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