Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann
Los Angeles-based entertainment and media company Westbrook announced the appointment of industry veteran Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann as CEO of its German licensing and distribution company, Telepool GmbH. Higuchi-Zitzmann’s appointment comes after Westbrook’s acquisition of Telepool in December 2021 as part of the company’s broader strategy for international expansion.
As CEO, Higuchi-Zitzmann will oversee all aspects of Telepool’s operations, which span content development, co-financing, and co-production activities, as well as Telepool’s subsidiary brands and entities, including Global Screen, one of Europe's leading global distributors of film and TV, and home entertainment label EuroVideo. Global Screen has managed world sales for popular titles including “School of Magical Animals,” “The Conference,” as well as the upcoming title “Davos,” which will be showcased at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival for the Berlinale Series Market.
“Yoko brings to Telepool over 25 years of experience driving content production and distribution on a global scale. As Telepool’s CEO, Yoko will support the impressive work already done by the Telepool team to bring international content to Germany, and local content to the world. She’ll expand Telepool’s development and production capabilities and further extend Westbrook’s reach in European markets, helping us to build a leading, independent global content studio. We are thrilled to have found a leader who shares in our mission of connecting people through globally resonant storytelling,” said Ko Yada, CEO of Westbrook.
“Westbrook is a pioneer in the entertainment industry across mediums, and I look forward to playing a role in growing the company’s global footprint. We will strengthen the bridge between the two companies, maximizing Westbrook’s presence in the global content marketplace through Telepool’s extensive sales and distribution infrastructure. With a 60-year track record of great storytelling, Telepool is one of the most respected names in the international distribution and German-language licensing game. As CEO, it will be my task to grow on these strong roots while working alongside a top-content-producing owner like Westbrook,” Yoko Higuchi-Zitzmann said.
Higuchi-Zitzmann brings over two decades of experience leading teams across development, production, financing, distribution, sales, and acquisitions at some of the most respected companies in the industry. Most recently, she served as the Managing Director of Pantaleon Films, one of Germany's most successful independent production companies. Part of Pantaflix, Pantaleon Films cooperates with well-known partners such as Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery.