Canal+ hires channels veteran from Lagardère

Gérald-Brice Viret

Canal+ has hired Gérald-Brice Viret as its managing director of channels, recruiting the seasoned exec from rival Lagardère.

Viret has run numerous digital channels in France and also headed up the local cross-industry digital terrestrial group as DTT rolled out in the country.

He joins Canal+ from Lagardère’s channels unit where he ran nets including kids service Gulli. Pre- Lagardère he was at channel operator NRJ, running services including NRJ Hits.

Viret’s appointment sparked a restructure at Lagardère with Caroline Cochaux upped from channels general manager to head of Gulli and deputy director of the company’s channels unit.

Julien Figue has also been elevated to deputy MD of the division, and Jean-René Aucouturier commercial director for the department.