Natalka Znak Named CEO of Zodiak USA

Zodiak USA’s Chief Creative Office Natalka Znak has been promoted to CEO. She succeeds Zodiak USA CEO Grant Mansfield who is leaving the company this month to return to his native U.K. after two years at the helm of RDF USA and then Zodiak USA, following Zodiak Media’s June 2010 acquisition of RDF.

In her new position, Znak will oversee Zodiak USA’s production offices in  New York and Los Angeles and will manage a programming slate that includes Secret Millionaire (ABC), Celebrity Wife Swap (ABC) and truTV’s two highest rated series, Hardcore Pawn and Lizard Lick Towing.  “Natalka is a force of nature and an inspiring creative – she thinks big and isn’t afraid to take a risk,”Zodiak Media CEO David Frank said.

Znak’s appointment as EVP of then-RDF USA was announced in late 2009. She moved to the U.S. from her native Britain in early 2010 and was named CCO of RDF in March 2010, shortly after Mansfield took over as CEO. Since then, Znak has sold nearly 20 new shows, including Real Deal (History) and the upcoming Killer Karaoke (truTV) hosted by Steve-O.  Prior to joining Zodiak, Znak served as Controller of Factual Entertainment for ITV Studios in London where she was responsible for creating and producing UK hits including I’m Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, Hell’s Kitchen, and Love Island.

At Zodiak USA, current production will continue to be led by EVP Claire O’Donohoe, development by SVP Tim Sullivan and casting by SVP Sunny Agans.  SVP Mike Gamson heads East Coast production.  All will report to Znak. “My immediate plan is to expand the creative teams in both Los Angeles and New York, and my ongoing objective remains the same – create the best original ideas and adapt the most successful Zodiak Media formats for the American marketplace,” Znak said.