Propagate names Dan Thunell head of int’l, hires Isaac Kwaku Fokuo for Middle East, Africa growth  

Dan Thunell, left, and Isaac Kwaku Fokuo

US-based producer and distributor Propagate Content has promoted Dan Thunell to become its sole head of international as co-head Catalina Ramírez Chaves exits to pursue other opportunities, C21 can reveal.

In addition, Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr has been named co-head of Middle East and head of Africa.

With his promotion, Thunell will continue to lead Propagate’s international team from its London office. His expanded role will see him managing distribution deals, acquisitions and original productions across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In addition to overseeing its distribution catalogue of more than 3,000 hours spanning scripted, factual and documentaries, including Jane the Virgin, Running Wild with Bear Grylls and Hillary, and third-party content such as Windfall Films-produced The Lost Music of Auschwitz, Thunell also leads Propagate’s broader international content strategies.

He joined Propagate in 2016 as a sales and development exec in the company’s LA office before relocating to London in 2022 when he was promoted to VP and co-head of international. He previously worked at talent agency giant WME, climbing from the mailroom to roles in non-scripted and business affairs.

Meanwhile, Fokuo will be responsible for expanding Propagate’s presence in the Middle East and Africa, leading content strategy and development across those regions.

Fokuo is the founder of Botho Emerging Markets Group, an advisory and investment firm specialising in emerging markets that has advised clients such as blockchain-based video entertainment firm Amp Technologies Global and e-commerce platform Ananse Africa.

He also has more than a decade of experience working in the Middle East providing strategic input to private and public sector entities. Fokuo has also previously worked with Cate Blanchett and Ke Huy Quan to launch the Displacement Film Fund, which supports filmmakers focused on the experiences of displaced people.

Both Thunell and Fokuo will report to Propagate Content chief operating officer Drew Buckley. Leili Mostajeran will continue in her role as co-head of Middle East, as well as co-head of business affairs.

Ramírez Chaves joined Propagate in early 2020 as director of sales and acquisitions before rising to co-head of international in 2022. Prior to Propagate, she held sales manager roles at Gunpowder & Sky and Magnolia Pictures.

“Dan’s savvy leadership and vision have been instrumental in expanding our global footprint and delivering premium content to audiences worldwide,” said Buckley.

“With Isaac joining our team, we’re strengthening our commitment to diverse storytelling and strategic growth across the Middle East and Africa. Their combined expertise will drive our international ambitions forward as we continue to connect creators with global audiences in a wide range of growing markets.”

Founded by Ben Silverman and Howard T Owens in 2015, Propagate Content has produced series including the Chopped franchise (Food Network), sports docuseries Untold (Netflix), women’s soccer documentary LFG (Max) as well as the upcoming golf comedy, Stick (Apple TV+), starring Owen Wilson.