Longtime StudioCanal exec Françoise Guyonnet will be elevated into a new dual role in early 2024 that comes with C-Suite access.

Guyonnet’s impending promotion to EVP of kids brands (a new position) and CEO of in-house licensing agency Copyrights Group represents the culmination of 17 years with the company. She’s currently serving as executive managing director of TV series, with a remit that covers the development of scripted series through StudioCanal’s roster of European prodcos and third-party partners in France, the UK, Germany, Poland, Spain and Denmark. 

In her new role, Guyonnet will oversee Copyrights Group, which manages consumer products programs for brands such as Paddington and Mush-Mush & The Mushables. She’s also charged with expanding StudioCanal’s kids slate, which already includes projects in development based on Swedish IP Pippi Longstocking and German book series The Woodwalkers. Guyonnet will continue reporting to Anna Marsh, CEO of StudioCanal and deputy CEO of the Canal+ Group. 

This appointment is part of the company’s broader plan to build out its kids business, which became a priority when the Paddington franchise was so successful with its latest film and TV adaptations and related licensing programs. Released in 2014 and 2017, the company’s two films about the silly old bear who moves to London have collectively earned almost US$500 million globally, and a third Paddington pic is slated to hit theaters next year. StudioCanal is also developing and producing a new CG-animated Miffy series with Mercis and Superprod Animation that is scheduled to premiere on Canal+ in 2025.