Former Cyber Group exec Olivier Lelardoux is taking on a major new managing director role at French animation studio Blue Spirit, joining the prodco to work alongside founding CEO Eric Jacquot, who’s planning to exit the company in 2023.

Lelardoux started in his new role on March 1 and will take on Jacquot’s responsibilities when he leaves next January. In the meantime, Lelardoux will focus on building out Newen Kids & Family, which is currently structured as a Blue Spirit holding company for seeking out new talent and production companies around the world.

Lelardoux previously worked at Cyber Group Studios for 17 years, most recently as a studio director and associate producer. He directed more than 700 episodes of animated series during his tenure at the company, including Gigantosaurus, Zou and The Chronicles of Zorro.

Blue Spirit has also reorganized some other roles in its executive ranks. Camille Gérard, previously director of production, will now serve as associate managing director of studios and head of executive production (domestic and international). Former CFO Sandrine Vellieux moves into an associate managing director position, with responsibility for financial and administrative affairs. Frantz Delbecque shifts from technical director to associate managing director of Blue Spirit Lab. And Armelle Glorennec will now oversee production of both series and features as CEO of Blue Spirit Productions.

The French studio is currently developing animated feature The Legend of (almost) King Arthur, as well as a film adaptation of children’s comic book The Ballad of Yaya and Colleen et Amélia that will be co-produced with Canada’s Syon.