Kalle Friz Joins Universal Pictures International As MD Germany, Austria

Veteran executive Kalle Friz is set to join Universal Pictures International as Managing Director for Germany and Austria. Friz, who takes up the post in July, will report to Paul Higginson, Executive Vice President, EMEA at Universal Pictures International, and will manage day-to-day operations in the territory, which is one of UPI’s biggest theatrical markets. 

Friz will work with Higginson to drive box office revenues and set strategic goals and objectives for the Germany and Austria operating companies overseeing sales, distribution, acquisitions, marketing, publicity and finance.

Friz moves to UPI after 16 years at Studiocanal where he held several notable positions, most recently serving as EVP International Operations & CEO Germany. In this role, he was responsible for shaping the strategy of Studiocanal in Germany, Austria and Poland and worked closely with the other CEO’s across the studio’s distribution units. 

He has a track record of growing Studiocanal’s revenues in the region and has also held roles overseeing theatrical releases and marketing activations for films including English-language productions such as the Paddington series, The Hunger Games and Saw franchises, La La Land and Back To Black, as well as local productions such as Heidi, The Little Witch, Woodwalkers and Balloon.  

Prior to joining Studiocanal, Friz was head of Fox Searchlight and local acquisitions from 2002-2009 overseeing the release of such titles as Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, 28 Days Later and Black Swan.  

Higginson said: “Kalle is a seasoned talent in the industry who has a long-standing reputation for innovative distribution strategies, a strong fluency in the German marketplace and is a committed leader who empowers his teams. With over 20 years of experience, we are thrilled to have Kalle shepherd new growth strategies in the local market and build upon the strong positioning we have in the region.”