Studiocanal, Canal+’s in-house film and television studio with worldwide production and distribution capabilities, announced a change in the management of its German distribution activity, effective June 1st, 2025. Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe, who previously held the position of Co-MDs of Studiocanal Germany will be appointed Co-CEOs Studiocanal Germany. In their new roles, they will report to Alex Hamilton, Chief International Officer Studiocanal and replace Kalle Friz who, after 16 years, will leave the company in July.
Alex Hamilton, Chief International Officer of StudiocanalL, comments: “I am delighted to announce the promotion of Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe as Co-CEOs of Studiocanal Germany. Their passion for film, their commitment to Studiocanal and Canal+ and their knowledge of the industry are exceptional and make them the best possible choice for their new roles. They are the natural successors to Kalle Friz, who has made Studiocanal Germany such a success.”
Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Chief Content Officer of Canal+, comments: "I join Alex Hamilton in warmly congratulating Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe on their appointment as Co-CEOs of Studiocanal Germany. Having delivered outstanding results over many years, they are exceptionally well-positioned to lead the business into its next chapter of success. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Kalle Friz for his remarkable leadership and dedication over the past 16 years. Kalle is an outstanding professional, a rare talent, and a generous colleague with whom I have had the privilege to work closely. On behalf of Studiocanal, I extend our deepest thanks and wish him every success in his future endeavors."
Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe look back on a long and successful career at Studiocanal, driving the strategy of Studiocanal Germany spearheaded by the releases of English-language productions such as "Paddington 1-3," "The Hunger Games" and "Saw" franchises, "La La Land," "Back To Black" as well as local productions such as "Heidi," "The Little Witch," "Woodwalkers" and "Balloon."
Hooman Afshari is looking back at a 25-year career in the film industry and started his journey at Studiocanal in 2012 as VP Theatrical Distribution. Since 2018, he has been overseeing all distribution activities at StudiocanalL Germany, reporting directly to the CEO of Studiocanal Germany. In 2023, Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe were promoted to Co-MDs of Studiocanal Germany.
Lutz Rippe joined the Studiocanal marketing team in 2006. Since 2011, he holds the position of VP Theatrical Marketing and oversees the Marketing Department since 2018, reporting directly to the CEO of Studiocanal Germany. In this role, he was responsible for Studiocanal's theatrical and home entertainment marketing. Since 2023 he holds the position of Co-MD together with Hooman Afshari.
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