Hong Kong-based producer/distributor Fun Union has tapped Riki Group exec Diana Yurinova as its new CEO. The distribution company is a joint venture between Russian prodco Riki Group and an unnamed Chinese partner.

Yurinova has worked closely with Fun Union before, as it distributes three of Riki Group’s IPs, including Kikoriki, BabyRiki and PinCode. The two companies also teamed up together, and with China’s CCTV Animation for a 52 x 11-minute animated series entitled Krash and Hehe in 2017, set to launch this year.

In her new role, Yurinova will consolidate international marketing, sales and development within Fun Union and Riki Group to grow the Riki Universe. She’s also handling all Chinese domestic activities, as Fun Union continues to focus on that region. She is also continuing to serve as VP of international business development and distribution for Riki Group while taking on these new responsibilities, further integrating the joint venture with its parentco.

Prior to joining Riki Group, Yurinova has 10 years of sales and development experience, including launching the animation department at Russian broadcaster CTC Media. She has been overseeing Riki’s global development and distribution since 2016 and last year secured a strategic partnership with Chinese giant Alibaba for Riki Group.