French animation studio Xilam Animation has appointed Manya Zhou to the newly created position of head of business development for China.

Zhou will be responsible for developing Xilam’s strategy in the region including managing local linear and digital distribution, L&M and potential co-production opportunities. Additionally, she will build partnerships and awareness in the market across Xilam’s IPs. The role will be based in

Xilam’s head office in Paris, France and report to Morgann Favennec, executive vice president, global sales development. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Manya to the Xilam Animation team,” says Favennec. “China represents a huge growth opportunity for us and with her wealth of experience and comprehensive knowledge of the market, we’re confident she will play a pivotal role in not only maximizing the local potential of our existing IPs, but also forging new partnerships to deepen our presence in the region.” 

Zhou joins from Amuse where she was manager of the Asian market. Her previous role saw her handle co-production, investment and licensing opportunities for the company's IPs with Chinese partners. Prior to her work with Amuse, Zhou held roles at Spideo, the Festival National du Film d'animation and the Festival Ciné-Jeune de l'Aisne in France.

“I’m thrilled to join Morgann and the team to further fuel the success that Xilam has achieved in China already,” reports Zhou “With its fantastic and rapidly growing slate of animated content, I look forward to building awareness of Xilam’s properties in the region and embarking on this exciting new chapter in the company’s international growth.”