Zodiak Media has announced that its current group chief executive officer, David Frank, will step down in mid-October and will be succeeded by Marc-Antoine d’Halluin.

Frank was appointed as Zodiak CEO in July 2010 when the RDF Media Group was acquired by Zodiak. Prior to that he was chief executive officer of RDF, a company he founded in 1993. Frank will continue as a non-executive director and advisor to Zodiak.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for me because I have loved my time with Zodiak and have had a great relationship with my shareholders who have been nothing but supportive throughout. However I felt the time was right for a change–for me and for the company,” says Frank. “In Marc-Antoine I think we have found the perfect candidate to take Zodiak forward–he combines intelligence and experience with strong personal skills and strategic insight. I feel confident that he understands what’s needed to build on Zodiak’s considerable strengths.”

French national d’Halluin has been a partner of the media investment and advisory practice Rubis Media Partners since 2011. Prior to this he was chief executive officer and resident of the pan-Arabic broadcasters Showtime (2006-2009) and Orbit Showtime Network (2009-2010). He began his TV career with Sony Pictures in London in 1995 before moving to Fox Kids Europe (1997-2003) as group managing director ofchannels.

“I’d like to express my thanks to David Frank for the commitment and the dedication he has shown in completing the construction of Zodiak Media,” says Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairman, Zodiak and chief executive officer, De Agostini, which is the majority owner of Zodiak Media. “With Marc-Antoine d’Halluin a new phase begins for the group; while continuing to be active in the international content production and distribution markets, he has the task of leading Zodiak in achieving other important objectives in terms of both results and growth. To Marc-Antoine we extend the welcome, trust and full support of De Agostini Group, for which Zodiak represents a strategic investment.”