Zodiak Media CFO Steps Down, Successor in Place

LONDON: Salar Farzad, the former global financial director of Macmillan Science and Education, is taking up the position of group CFO at Zodiak Media, from February 10, succeeding Laurent Boissel, who will be stepping down in the next few weeks.

Boissel, the chief financial and operating officer and member of the executive committee of Zodiak Media, is leaving next month. Boissel joined the company in 2007 as CFO of Marathon Group.

Farzad also previously served as CFO of BBC Worldwide Consumer Products (formerly 2 Entertain), and was key in the integrating and restructuring process as the BBC took full ownership of the company. Farzad also worked as CFO of MTV Networks International.

Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, Zodiak Media's CEO, said: “I’m very happy to welcome Salar on board. He has all the qualities to further consolidate the group, building on his outstanding knowledge of the media sector and his international professional background. I would like to congratulate Laurent for his outstanding achievements in building a solid structure for the group, which leaves us well prepared for growth in the coming years. I wish him all the best for the future.”

Boissel added: “Over these pivotal years for the company, I had the opportunity to contribute to the construction of a leading international TV group, and the privilege of working with outstanding staff and talented entrepreneurs. I am proud of the progress made with respect to Zodiak Media, which today has all the assets to go from strength to strength. After seven years dedicated to the Zodiak Media adventure, I feel the time has come for me to take on new challenges and devote myself to new professional projects.”

Farzad commented: “I am delighted to join Marc-Antoine and Zodiak’s talented team and am looking forward to playing a key role within one of the media industry’s most talented super indies.”