Mediaset España outlines succession plan for Vasile

Following the departure of CEO Paolo Vasile at the end of the year, broadcaster Mediaset España will divide his responsibilities, with Mediaset Italia’s current director-general of RTI, Alessandro Salem, taking the role of overall CEO.

In addition to Salem, who has also previously headed up Mediaset advertising arms Publtalia ’80 in Italy and Pubilespaña in Spain, the broadcaster has named Massimo Musolino as co-CEO responsible for general management and operations, an extension of his current role as director-general.

Current president Borja Prado meanwhile will take on executive powers in relation to external and institutional relations, legal and regulatory affairs, which will be headed up by Mario Rodríguez.

Prado will also take a hands-on role in relation to editorial decisions.

Mediaset España parent MediaForEurope recently denied what it described as “rumours” in the Spanish press that it forced the departure of Vasile after the latter confirmed he would leave the company.

Vasile, 69, told press his departure had been agreed some time ago but had been delayed due to the impact of the COVID pandemic.

Vasile has been at the helm of the Spanish broadcaster, which airs the Telecinco and Cuatro channels, for 23 years. He is credited with building a successful operation and with being an innovative programmer who delivered for Mediaset, but audience numbers have dipped in recent months.