Ludo Dufour named Off the Fence MD

Ludo Dufour has been upped to managing director, sales and coproductions, at Off the Fence, and Kurt Thorson named CFO in a company rejig triggered by the exit of COO Daryl James last year.

Dufour has been promoted from VP of sales and Thorson becomes finance chief having occupied several roles at the Amsterdam-based distributor.

TBI broke the news late last year that Daryl James was leaving Off the Fence after almost a decade and returning to the UK. Other changes at the company last year included the exits of Bo Stehmeier and Georgina Eyre.

The new exec positions effectively cover James’ responsibilities at the company.

Dufour has been with OTF since 2011, joining from Viacom’s distribution division.

“OTF has an outstanding track record and works with the best non-fiction producers in the world,” he said. “It is also an inspiring place to work and I am thrilled to be leading a team of ambitious, creative, and dedicated sales executives.”

Thorson, who has served as CFO of Canal+, has been consulting for OTF, and now becomes the full-time CFO.

“I am excited to take on the CFO role within the company. I embrace the opportunity to rejoin an organisation that I know and love while playing a key role in the strategic and financial future of OTF.”

Both execs will report to OTF founder and CEO Ellen Windemuth. “Generating sustainable growth and profitability in our market means adapting to its rapidly changing needs,” she said.

“Our new structure is a perfect fit for our TV, film and online strategy. Kurt and Ludo are seasoned and much-loved professionals who thrive on going the extra mile.”