Mediaset Spain veteran Baltanás follows Vasile out of the door

Mediaset Spain content chief Leonardo Baltanás is leaving the company as part of a senior leadership overhaul that commenced last October with the announcement that long-serving CEO Paolo Vasile would be stepping down from his post.

Leonardo Baltanás

During 14 years at the helm of one of Mediaset Spain’s two production divisions, Baltanás has over seen a range of genres including scripted, entertainment and current affairs. Hits during his time included local versions of The Voice and Got Talent.

Baltanás, who has been in the TV business for more than 30 years, called the decision mutual. “At the age of 67, a new phase opens for me, I consider that it is a good moment to undertake new professional and personal projects. I have had the opportunity to work with a very professional and human team within Mediaset España, and also with many of the professionals from the production companies”.

The news that CEO Vasile was leaving signalled the end of an era for Mediaset Spain, which owns leading commercial networks such as Telecinco and Cuatro. After 24 years in the top post, the 69 year-old made way for Alessandro Salem and Massimo Musolino, who became co-CEOs, effective from January 1st 2023.

Prior to the management moves, Mediaset Spain’s owner, Italian media group MediaForEurope (MFE), increased its stake in the firm from 55% to 82.9%. MFE’s avowed goal is to delist the Spanish operation, but that requires control of 90%.