StudioCanal COO/CFO to lead finance team

James Forde, previously Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer for StudioCanal, has been appointed Finance Director for Kudos.

Reporting to Kudos joint MD Martin Haines, this is a key strategic role within Kudos and part of the Kudos Management Team.

The role will lead the Kudos finance team, creating an industry leading operational infrastructure to service Kudos and Wild Mercury productions. Responsible for financial management, reporting, governance and the production finance environment, James will work closely with the Kudos senior team to help design, deliver and drive forward the Kudos business strategy.

With more than 20 years of senior and executive level experience in media, James spent over a decade in leadership roles at StudioCanal, the UK film production and distribution arm of StudioCanal Group, part of the Canal Plus Group. Initially joining as CFO and most recently as COO, he played an integral role growing the business as part of the SMT, UK Operational Board and Group CFO committees, where his responsibilities spanned all core Commercial and Operational activities – including Finance, Sales, Marketing, Technical, Transactional, Digital, TV and SVOD.

Martin Haines said,

“James is a smart, dynamic and driven leader who we are thrilled to have join our senior team. He’s a brilliant appointment for Kudos as we continue to expand our global reach and production footprint.”

James Forde added,

“Kudos creates best in class content and storytelling. The opportunity to join Martin and Karen and support the rest of the talented team to help deliver on their ambition is incredibly exciting, and I am very much looking forward to it.”

Prior to his time with StudioCanal, James has had senior roles at Fremantle Media, Dazed and Confused Group and Warner.

James takes up his role with immediate effect.