Content chief Caterina Gonnelli-Linden moved up to co-CEO at Xilam

L-R: Safaa Benazzouz, Marc du Pontavice, Caterina Gonnelli-Linden and Camille Wiplier

French animation studio Xilam (Oggy & the Cockroaches) has restructured its senior leadership team, with chief content officer Caterina Gonnelli-Linden promoted to co-CEO.

She will be supported by Camille Wiplier and Safaa Benazzouz, who have both been elevated to deputy CEOs.

Xilam’s CEO role will now be shared between Gonnelli-Linden and current CEO Marc du Pontavice. The move enables du Pontavice to focus on the group’s strategy and diversification, notably through the development of its feature film production.

Gonnelli-Linden has also been made corporate officer alongside du Pontavice, to whom she will report. She takes operational responsibility for the development and production of children’s programmes for television and digital platforms, of which she will also be a producer.

Gonnelli-Linden and du Pontavice will share editorial responsibility for Xilam’s adult-targeted series. On a functional level, she oversees four departments: content, operations, distribution and human resources.

Former Walt Disney Company exec Gonnelli-Lindon has been with Xilam for almost seven years. Her credits include the series Piggy Builders and Submarine Jim.

New deputy CEO Wiplier will lead Xilam’s operations arm, which she has managed since January, alongside the IT and technical services department.

Benazzouz’s new role will see her lead Xilam’s content distribution and marketing strategy. Both execs will report to Gonnelli-Linden.

Xilam said the leadership reshuffle will support the company’s new growth cycle.

Du Pontavice said: “By turning the page on the crisis that has hit the animation sector hard, and as we return to the path of strong growth, I hope the group’s management structure will give impetus to new energy, driven by the diversity of our content and talent.”

Gonnelli-Linden said: “Building on our highly talented teams, a corporate culture that fosters excellence, and a rich and diverse development slate that I am truly excited about, I look forward to immediately focusing on our new kids’ productions and turning them into the successful franchises of tomorrow.”