Paris-based Superprod Group has created a new business unit dedicated to animation development, hiring several new execs to power it up.

Headed up by Patrick Ermosilia (pictured), who joins as chief creative officer, Superprod Animation has also brought in 15 additional creatives to  keep its seven current shows running smoothly in production. The division also has a large development slate of series and movies in the works.

Jean Duval has been hired as Superprod’s new studio director and will supervise all animation work, including pilots and series. Duval has three decades of experience in film and animation, and he spent a fair bit of time at Disney Animation as a layout artist, assistant animator, storyboard artist and creative director of Disney Consumer Products. He also directed CG-animated film Pollux—The Magic Roundabout, and two seasons of Mini Ninjas for TF1, RAI and Disney.

In his new role at Superprod, Duval is charged with overseeing the development and production of all animated series, including both in-house and service work.

Superprod recently expanded its business by acquiring a majority stake in Red Monk. The Italian animation studio, which develops IPs and does service work, will continue to operate as a separate company.