New TF1 boss reorganises, sets out vision

France’s leading free-TV broadcaster TF1 has reorganised and given former Canal+ exec Ara Aprikian the top content job, as it positions as a leading player in TV production in France and internationally.

Gilles Pélisson (pictured) has just taken over from Nonce Paolini at the helm of TF1, and announced the organisational structure and his goals for the business yesterday.

In the face of increased competition, TF1 said that it will focus its efforts on three areas: production and rights, scheduling and promotion, and exploiting the commercial value of its channels and content.

The immediate goals will then be fourfold, TF1 said: to consolidate a leading position in free TV in France, to become a leading producer in France and internationally, to create a leading digital offering, and to offers innovative solutions to advertisers.

With the goals set, Aprikian becomes executive VP, content. The former Canal+ exec has been consulting for TF1and will now run free TV, acquisitions and production.

Other key posts include Catherine Nayl as EVP, news, and Régis Ravanas as EVP, advertising and diversification.

Olivier Abecassis becomes VP of innovation and digital in the new set-up, and Christine Bellin, VP, group strategy and transformation. Frédéric Ivernel is VP, communications and brands.

“I would like to thank Nonce Paolini for the exceptionally smooth handover, and for the trust and transparency that characterised the process,”Pélisson said. “I am convinced we have put in place an organisational structure which builds on the TF1 group’s existing know-how, and which will help us accelerate the shift in the business towards content development and production, and the digitalisation of our activities.”

The new TF1 chief added: “We must always be ahead of the game in anticipating trends in media use, while playing to the full our role in unearthing talent and devising new formats. This ambition, supported by all our teams across the TF1 group, will be critical to delivering growth and creating value.”