Under the new structure, Xilam’s executive leadership will be shared between Gonnelli-Linden and Marc du Pontavice. The move will allow du Pontavice to focus fully on the group’s strategy and diversification, particularly the further development of its feature film production activities.
“I am delighted to put in place this new governance that reinforces and structures the leadership of Caterina, Camille and Safaa, in whom I have the greatest confidence and to whom Xilam owes many successes in recent years. By turning the page on the crisis that has hit the animation sector hard, and as we return to the path of strong growth, I hope the group's management structure will give impetus to new energy, driven by the diversity of our content and talent. This is how we will strengthen the uniqueness of our creations – the only relevant strategy to respond to market changes. In this sense, this new governance is an investment in the future,” said Marc du Pontavice, CEO of Xilam.
Gonnelli-Linden, who becomes Co-CEO alongside her new responsibilities, will also serve as Corporate Officer alongside du Pontavice, to whom she will report. She will oversee the development and production of children’s programmes for television and digital platforms, while also serving as a producer. Together with du Pontavice, she will share editorial responsibility for Xilam’s adult-targeted series, which he will continue to oversee personally. She will also supervise the content, operations, distribution and HR departments. As head of Xilam’s Content Division, Gonnelli-Linden has overseen series including Piggy Builders and Submarine Jim, working closely with du Pontavice. “I am extremely pleased and proud to take on these new responsibilities. Building on our highly talented teams, a corporate culture that fosters excellence, and a rich and diverse development slate that I am truly excited about, I look forward to immediately focusing on our new kids’ productions and turning them into the successful franchises of tomorrow,” said Gonnelli-Linden.
As Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Camille Wiplier will lead Xilam’s Operations department, which she has headed since January 2026, as well as the IT and Technical Services department. She will report to Gonnelli-Linden. Wiplier will bring Xilam’s production teams, subsidiaries, information systems and technical services under her leadership, with the aim of strengthening the links between the company’s production and technical teams. Safaa Benazzouz, also promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Officer, will oversee Xilam’s content distribution and marketing strategy, reporting to Gonnelli-Linden. Her remit will cover international sales, marketing and communication, digital publishing and merchandising. Benazzouz will define and execute Xilam’s commercial policy worldwide across a catalogue of more than 3,000 episodes broadcast in more than 190 countries. She will also oversee the presence of Xilam’s brands across video platforms.
According to Xilam, animated films accounted for 27% of the global box office in 2024. With a goal of releasing one new film every year beginning in 2026, the company aims to become a major player in the animated film sector.
