Los Angeles and London-based management and production company 42 has tapped former FilmNation TV UK executive Martin Rakusen as Chief Operating Officer.
Effective immediately, Rakusen is responsible for running 42’s operations and business development globally, in addition to having oversight of business affairs and production across its portfolio.
Rakusen will be based in 42’s London office and report into CEO and Managing Partner Josh Varney. 42 is currently in post-production on Chork by Shane Meadows and Next Life by Drake Doremus and also in production on Your Fault, the sequel to the hit Amazon film My Fault. Clients include Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Armstrong, Claire Denis, Charlie Brooker, Michael Caine, Nicholas Hoult and Lynne Ramsay.
The hire follows the exit of David O’Donoghue who served in the same role. O’Donoghue joined the company early last year but has left to take up the role of EVP International at Studio TF1.
Rakusen was previously Chief Operating Officer of FilmNation TV UK where he led all business, operational and financial activity on the UK TV side. He has also worked at BBC Studios, served as COO of Shine International and Director of Commercial Development for drama, kids and branded content at RDF.
42’s CEO Josh Varney said: “Integral to 42’s DNA is providing a home for exceptional global creatives with impactful stories to tell – and having a top-class team to support us operationally and strategically is vital to delivering on that promise. Martin embodies all the qualities we’re looking for – he is insightful, with sharp commercial instincts and an impressive track record across all facets of our industry, from broadcast and production through to distribution. We’re confident he will be an asset to the 42 team.”
Martin Rakusen added: “42 is renowned for its dynamic structure and has a high-held reputation in global management, alongside film and television production – so having the opportunity to join the company and work alongside both its London and LA teams is a real privilege. I look forward to collaborating closely with Josh, the managing partners and the board to help further drive 42’s growth and support its mission of empowering leading storytellers from around the world.”