David Frank Exits Zodiak, Marc-Antoine d’Halluin Named Successor

LONDON: David Frank is stepping down as the CEO of Zodiak Media as of mid-October, with Marc-Antoine d’Halluin tapped to succeed him.

Frank has been CEO of Zodiak since July 2010, when RDF Media Group was purchased by Zodiak. Prior to that he was CEO of RDF, a company that he founded in 1993.

The new CEO will be d’Halluin, taking on the responsibilities as of October 15. Since 2011 he has been a partner of Rubis Media Partners, a media investment and advisory practice. Prior to this he was the CEO and president of the pan-Arabic broadcasters Showtime and Orbit Showtime Network.

Frank said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for me because I have loved my time with Zodiak and have had a great relationship with my shareholders who have been nothing but supportive throughout. However I felt the time was right for a change—for me and for the company.

“In Marc-Antoine I think we have found the perfect candidate to take Zodiak forward—he combines intelligence and experience with strong personal skills and strategic insight. I feel confident that he understands what’s needed to build on Zodiak’s considerable strengths.

“I haven’t decided yet exactly what I’ll do next but I’m excited by the prospect of a fresh challenge. Meanwhile I believe that Zodiak will go from strength to strength—it’s a group with incredible talent, combining creativity with a first class distribution business. It’s been a pleasure and honour to have held such a prestigious position for the past three years.”

Marc-Antoine d’Halluin said: “I feel privileged to succeed David as Zodiak Media’s CEO and wish him the best for his next challenges. I look forward to his continued support as well as to working closely with the Zodiak management team and the shareholders, De Agostini and also Dasym, to build long term value leveraging the company’s fantastic production houses and expertise.”

Lorenzo Pellicioli, the chairman of Zodiak and CEO of De Agostini, added: “I’d like to express my thanks to David Frank for the commitment and the dedication he has shown in completing the construction of Zodiak Media. With Marc-Antoine d’Halluin a new phase begins for the group; while continuing to be active in the international content production and distribution markets, he has the task of leading Zodiak in achieving other important objectives in terms of both results and growth. To Marc-Antoine we extend the welcome, trust and full support of De Agostini Group, for which Zodiak represents a strategic investment.”