Studiocanal has hired Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe to run its operations in Germany.
The pair will take up the roles of Co-CEO from June 1st. They replace Kalle Friz, who, after 16 years, will leave Studiocanal in July to join Universal.
Hooman Afshari started at Studiocanal in 2012 as VP Theatrical Distribution. Since 2018, he has been overseeing all distribution activities at Studiocanal Germany, reporting directly to the former CEO. In 2023, Afshari and Rippe were promoted to Co-MDs of Studiocanal Germany.
Rippe joined the Studiocanal marketing team in 2006. Since 2011, he has held the position of VP Theatrical Marketing and has overseen the Marketing Department since 2018. In this role, he was responsible for Studiocanal’s theatrical and home entertainment marketing.
“I am delighted to announce the promotion of Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe as Co-CEOs of Studiocanal Germany,” Alex Hamilton, Chief International Officer of Studiocanal, said in a statement. “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+, added: “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.”
