STUDIOCANAL Germany Appoints New Co-CEOs

STUDIOCANAL Germany has promoted Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe, formerly co-managing directors, to co-CEOs, effective June 1.

In their new roles, Afshari and Rippe will report to Alex Hamilton, chief international officer of STUDIOCANAL. They are taking over for Kalle Friz, who, after 16 years, will be leaving the company in July.

Afshari and Rippe have had long careers at STUDIOCANAL, driving the strategy of STUDIOCANAL Germany and spearheading the releases of English-language productions such as Paddington 1, 2 and 3; The Hunger Games and Saw franchises; La La Land; and Back To Black, as well as the local productions Heidi, The Little Witch, Woodwalkers, Balloon and more.

Afshari started his journey at STUDIOCANAL in 2012 as VP of theatrical distribution. Since 2018, he has been overseeing all distribution activities at STUDIOCANAL Germany, reporting directly to the CEO. In 2023, and took on the position of co-managing director alongside Rippe.

Rippe joined STUDIOCANAL as part of the marketing team in 2006. In 2011, he became VP of theatrical marketing. In 2018, he began overseeing the marketing department and 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,” said Hamilton. “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+, commented, “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 out deepest thanks and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”