OTF names sales MD

European factual sales outfit Off The Fence (OTF) is re-organising its team and has named a new MD of sales and coproductions.

Ludo Dufour

The Amsterdam-based producer-distributor has promoted Ludo Dufour, previously VP of sales, to the role.

Dufour joined OTF in 2011 after occupying various positions at MTV Networks International in the communications, programme sales and social responsibility departments.

He said: “It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I take on this role. OTF has an outstanding track record and works with the best non-fiction producers in the world.”

Meanwhile, Kurt Thorson, who has held various positions at OTF since 2003, has been named the firm’s chief financial officer.

Thorson, who previously worked in various financial roles within the Canal+ group, will immediately set about maximising OTF’s growth and revenue streams.

OTF’s experienced MD of distribution, Bo Stehmeier, left in summer 2015 closely followed by head of acquisitions Georgie Eyre. Chief operating officer Darrel James has also departed leading to today’s restructure announcement.

Ellen Windemuth, CEO and owner of OTF, said: “Generating sustainable growth and profitability in our market means adapting to its rapidly changing needs.

“Our new structure is a perfect fit for our TV, film and online strategy. We have ambitious plans. Kurt and Ludo are seasoned and much-loved professionals who thrive on going the extra mile.”

Founded in 1994, OTF has a catalogue comprising more than 6,500 hours of programming across wildlife, science, history, travel, people, culture and lifestyle genres.