- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Marc-Antoine d’Halluin will replace David Frank as CEO of TV production giant Zodiak Media, the French-based group behind Celebrity Wife Swap and Secret Millionaire.
Frank took up the reins as Zodiak boss in 2010 after the group, controlled by Italian media conglomerate De Agostini, acquired Frank’s production company RDF.
French media exec d’Halluin will take over as CEO effective Oct. 15. A partner at media investment and advisory group Rubis Media Partners since 2011, d’Halluin began his TV career with Sony Pictures in London in 1995 and has held executive positions at Fox Kids Europe, Scandinavian pay TV group Canal Plus Nordic and at pan-Arabic broadcasters Showtime and Orbit Showtime Network.
Frank’s exit is the latest executive shuffle at Zodiak, which recently appointed Tony Yates to the CEO position of its U.S. division, rebranded Zodiak Los Angeles, and just named Nicola Drago to replace Marco Ferrarri as head of its digital and branded content division Zodiak Active.
Zodiak said Frank would leave the company by the end of this year but continue as a non-executive director and advisor.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for me because I have loved my time with Zodiak and have had a great relationship with my shareholders who have been nothing but supportive throughout,” said Frank, explaining his decision to exit the company. “However I felt the time was right for a change – for me and for the company. In Marc-Antoine I think we have found the perfect candidate to take Zodiak forward – he combines intelligence and experience with strong personal skills and strategic insight. I feel confident that he understands what’s needed to build on Zodiak’s considerable strengths.”
D’Halluin takes over one of the world’s biggest TV production companies, with subsidiaries operating across 17 countries. In addition to its popular reality formats, Zodiak has numerous drama properties, including the original Swedish version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, British comedy series and hit feature film The Inbetweeners and supernatural series franchise Being Human.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day