To further support its rapid expansion, leading licensing agency CPLG, part of DHX Media, announces a number of important changes to its management team in Europe.

CEO Peter Byrne commented: “As our business continues to grow in Europe we have continued to build and develop our own in-house talent and these changes enable us to consolidate our European footprint and position us strongly for the next stages of growth.”

Joachim Knoedler, currently MD CPLG Germany, will take on the additional responsibility of heading up CPLG France, in the newly created role of MD Central Europe. Jo, who has been with the company for over 14 years, has been a consistent top performer in the group. Commented Byrne, “Jo has been one of the early pioneers of our German business with immense passion and drive, and I look forward to him bringing his wealth of experience to a new challenge as we expand our entertainment and brands business across the region.”

Concetta Galani is elevated to Commercial Director, CPLG France and Clementine Goutaine is promoted to Retail & Marketing Director, CPLG France, both reporting to Knoedler. Byrne added: “Both Concetta and Clementine have been integral to the success of CPLG France and these promotions are in recognition of their outstanding work over the years, and their wealth of experience across the French licensing market. “

Parallel to these changes, Romina Ivanisevic is promoted to Commercial Director, CPLG Germany and Sven Burscher becomes Retail and Marketing Director Germany, also both reporting to Knoedler. “Both Romina and Sven have been great catalysts in the business in their respective areas and have made outstanding contributions to the growth of our business in Germany” commented Byrne.

Elsewhere in the business, Slawek Ekiert, is promoted to Commercial Director, CPLG Nordic and CEE. Byrne said: “Slawek has done an incredible job rapidly establishing our presence in Central Eastern European markets and we look forward to him further expanding our presence across a bigger region.” Jenny Strehle will report to Slawek.

Virginie Kleinclaus-Renard, current MD of CPLG France, has decided to leave the company, departing early May, and will be transitioning the business over to Knoedler over the coming weeks.