42 Taps FilmNation’s Martin Rakusen as Chief Operating Officer

Management and production company 42 has named Martin Rakusen as its new chief operating officer, effective immediately. The former FilmNation TV U.K. COO will be responsible for running the company’s operations and business development globally, while overseeing business affairs and production across its portfolio.

Rakusen will be based in 42’s London office and report to CEO and managing partner Josh Varney. The hire follows the exit of David O’Donoghue, who served in the same role but left to take up the position of executive VP International at France’s Studio TF1. The appointment comes as the Los Angeles and London-based company is in post-production on Shane Meadows’ “Chork” and Drake Doremus’ “Next Life,” and in production on “Your Fault,” the sequel to the hit Amazon film “My Fault.”

While at FilmNation TV U.K., Rakusen led all business, operational and financial activity while building and maintaining strategic partnerships. His career spans senior roles in London and Los Angeles within broadcasters, production companies and distributors, including positions at BBC Studios, Shine International and RDF.

“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,” said Varney. “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.”

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.”

42’s recent productions include Netflix hits “Outside the Wire” starring Anthony Mackie, “The Weekend Away” with Leighton Meester, and Amazon’s No. 1 global hit “My Fault.” The company also produced “The Silent Twins,” which premiered at Cannes, and “The Courier” starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

In television, 42 produced the global hit “The Flatshare” for Paramount+, “The Girl Before” for BBC and HBO Max starring Gugu Mbatha Raw, and the Emmy-winning “Watership Down” for BBC and Netflix featuring voices including James McAvoy, John Boyega and Olivia Colman.

42’s management division represents high-profile talent including Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Hoult, Michael Caine, Jesse Armstrong, Charlie Brooker, Julian Fellowes, Shane Meadows and Sofia Boutella.