Xilam Animation Taps Manya Zhou to Head Business Development in China

Paris-based Xilam Animation appointed Manya Zhou to the newly created position of head of business development for China. Zhou joins the company from Amuse, a subsidiary of Millimages, where she managed the Asian market. She previously held positions with Spideo, the Festival National du Film d’animation, and Festival Ciné-Jeune de l’Aisne.

At Xilam, Zhou will develop the company’s strategy in China, including managing local linear and digital distribution, licensing and merchandising, and potential co-production opportunities. Zhou is based in Xilam’s Paris headquarters and reports to Morgann Favennec, executive vice president of global sales development.

“I’m thrilled to join Morgann and the team to further fuel the success that Xilam has achieved in China already,” says Manya 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.”

Additionally, Zhou will work to establish strategic partnerships and build awareness in Asia for brands including Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, Paprika, Mr Magoo, and Moka. 

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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