2026 Honoree

Izzet Pinto

Global Agency

Shift Disturber

Recognized for redefining global distribution by championing regional stories, building East–West pathways, and launching internationally successful formats with bold, industry-shaping vision.

The Shift Disturber Award celebrates individuals whose bold ideas and leadership are driving transformative change, and Izzet Pinto, Founder and CEO of Istanbul-based content distributor Global Agency, fits the bill. He’s widely credited for leading a Turkish content boom, both regionally as well as globally.

He is also setting the bar for how to create market buzz through creative flair and unique promotions for the titles he represents.

Pinto has fast-tracked Global Agency’s growth to encompass more than 150 projects, including hit dramas (1001 Nights, Magnificent Century, Broken Pieces, Mother) and successful formats (Shopping Monsters, Keep Your Light Shining, Perfect Bride, The Remix). He’s known for an innate ability to identify formats and projects with global potential and for his commitment to propel them to international success.

In doing so, Pinto has set a new standard for launching regional content internationally with high-profile events that break through the clutter, elevating not only the IP, but the creative talent of the region.

Magnificent Century is a standout example; his approach to marketing this show not just as a series, but as a brand, generated global buzz, creating a cultural phenomenon and proving that Turkish productions could compete with Western content in terms of scale, storytelling and production value.

Through Global Agency, Pinto has reshaped the international content distribution model, building a bridge between the East and West, ensuring local stories and content reach audiences around the world.