Xilam Animation names Safaa Benazzouz EVP of distribution, with Morgann Favennec exiting

Safaa Benazzouz

France’s Xilam Animation has rejigged its senior ranks with Safaa Benazzouz replacing Morgann Favennec as its EVP of distribution.

Benazzouz, who previously deputy EVP of distribution, takes up the role 1 September and will lead the worldwide sales strategies across Xilam’s new and forthcoming productions, including Karate Sheep, Oggy Oggy and Buddybot.

She will be responsible for driving sales across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, South Europe, 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 will remain based in Xilam’s head office in Paris and will now report into the company’s founder and CEO, Marc du Pontavice.

Benazzouz first joined Xilam as SVP of media sales distribution (Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Southern Europe) in February 2019 from French kids’ distribution company Superights.

She became deputy EVP of distribution in January 2022, working alongside Favennec whose next move is not yet known.

Pontavice 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 recognising 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.”