Canal+ consolidates Thema, installs new net boss

Canal+ Group has taken full control of French network Thema by acquiring 100% of the channel distribution subsidiary’s shares.

Thema has also announced that Fabrice Faux will take over from François Theillet as CEO on July 1.

Faux was previously finance and business development director at Canal+ Overseas, the Vivendi-owned pay TV operator’s international arm.

Faux’s appointment follows last week’s appointment of former Eurosport executive Arnaud Verlhac as head of distribution.

The rest of the Thema management team comprises marketing and communications chief Marianne Bédé, head of content Clémentine Tugendhat, finance chief Thomas Jeanson, and former distribution chief Patrick Rivet, who was recently named as head of American development.

Canal+’s move completes its integration of Thema, initiated in 2014.

Thema said it expected to generate revenues of close to €40 million (US$44.1 million) this year through a mix of international TV channel distribution, packaging and marketing of multi-cultural TV packs, and the production and distribution of the Africa-focused channels Nollywood TV, Novelas TV and Gospel Music TV.

The news closely follows Canal+’s acquisition of Latin American channels platform Alterna’TV, a deal the outgoing Theillet oversaw.