Endemol Entertainment chief John de Mol has decided to remain chairman and CEO of the Dutch production outfit alongside his new position as chief creative officer (CCO).

De Mol said he would step down from his position as chairman to concentrate on the creative side of Endemol's business when Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica announced its buyout of the company in March. Joop van den Ende, who founded the company with De Mol, stepped down at the same time for health reasons.

The announcement means the search is off for a new CEO for Endemol although the company is currently in talks to strengthen the board with new appointments. In addition, Endemol chief operating officer (COO) Aat Schouwenaar will be appointed deputy chairman, with responsibility for television operations, to support De Mol in the role of chairman.

Endemol's board currently comprises five members: De Mol, Schouwenaar, chief financial officer Alex Oostvogel, new media and distribution chief Ruud Hendricks and Hubert Deitmers who is responsible for acquisitions, corporate development and legal affairs.