Xilam Animation Promotes Within Distribution

Xilam Animation has elevated Safaa Benazzouz, who joined the company in February 2019 from Superights, to executive VP of distribution.

Formerly deputy executive VP of distribution, Benazzouz will lead worldwide distribution strategies across Xilam’s new and forthcoming productions and existing catalog. She will also be responsible for driving sales across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Germany, South Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, as well as managing the four teams within Xilam’s distribution department: international sales, digital, licensing and marketing.

Benazzouz takes up the post effective September 1, replacing the company’s outgoing exeucive VP of distribution, Morgann Favennec.

Marc du Pontavice, CEO of Xilam, said: “Since joining us, Safaa has established herself as an integral part of the Xilam team and played an instrumental role in driving the success of our distribution business globally. We’re thrilled to now be recognizing her skills and achievements through this well-deserved promotion and are confident that with her strategic mindset, determined attitude and team-player spirit, she is ideally placed to spearhead Xilam’s distribution business. We’d also like to thank Morgann for her remarkable leadership and the valuable contribution she’s made to the company—and wish her all the very best for the next chapter.”

Benazzouz added: “I feel honored to be taking on this new role at Xilam and that Marc and the leadership team have placed their confidence in me. As we continue building upon our robust slate of treasured franchises and new properties for both kids and adult audiences, I look forward to continuing to work with all the talented and passionate people across the company to drive the success of our portfolio for the long term. I also would like to warmly thank Morgann for being a great mentor since we first met in 2013 and wish her well on her new adventure.”