Renowned Polish TV producer Ryszard Sibilski has died at the age of 69. He was the husband of singer Ewa Bem, who reported his death on social media. In the past, he co-founded commercial broadcaster TVN and sat on the supervisory board of the ITI Group. He also managed Endemol Shine Poland.

Ryszard Sibilski was an Africanist and economist by education. For years he was a translator and traveled around Africa. After returning to Poland, he began working at the Polish Jazz Association, and in the 1990s he co-founded the TVN station. In 2002-2006 he sat on the supervisory board of the ITI Group, which owned the station at the time. For the next 18 years he headed Endemol Shine Polska, responsible for producing such programs as Big Brother, MasterChef and Your Face Sounds Familiar. He left the company in November 2023.

Since February 2024, he moved to Jake Vision - producer of, among others, Dancing with the Stars, WWTBAM and Ninja Warrior - where he served as MD. Sibilski was also a member of the Polish Film Academy.

"A television legend, a fantastic guy, a devoted husband, my beloved Dad. The disease took him away from us unexpectedly, and there was still so much ahead of us. I won't say rest in peace, because I know that's not your style, Dad. If there's anything you can do up there, you're definitely already setting everything up there," wrote Gabriela, the daughter of Ewa Bem and Ryszard Sibilski, on social media.

Sibilski was also farewelled on social media by, among others, TV presenter and journalist Krzysztof Ibisz. "Ryszard Sibilski, one of the most beautiful people in the television industry, has passed away. We knew each other since the end of the 90s, from the establishment of TVN, then for the next 25 years of my life at Polsat we worked on a great number of programs. A charming man, traveler, translator, producer, media manager, a man of great class," he wrote.

The producer was also remembered by TV producer, director and scriptwriter Rinke Rooijens, who worked with Sibilski. "You were not only a visionary in the field of TV production, but also a true soul with a good heart and noble intentions. (...) Although your show has come to an end, the beautiful melody of your visuals, creativity and spirit will forever resonate with us. Your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who were lucky enough to know you," he wrote.

The teams of CEETV and TVBIZZ would like to extend their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Ryszard. May he rest in peace!