Pernel Media, one of France’s leading international content production businesses announced it has appointed former Mediawan senior executive Jean-Marc Rouhette to the newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer.

Reporting to Pernel Media President Samuel Kissous, Jean-Marc will assume responsibility for business affairs, finance and production management. He will also be instrumental in developing the company’s activities in the scripted, digital and brand content arenas.

Prior to his role at Pernel Media, Jean-Marc was Head of Productions at Mediawan group where he spearheaded multiple companies across factual and scripted genres with overall responsibility for the production process, strategic optimisation, and contacts with broadcasters and suppliers. He also spent over six years at Lagardère Studios, culminating in a similar role there.

“I am truly delighted to join Pernel Media, a world-class producer of content with an impeccable track record, at such an exciting time of growth for the company,” said Jean-Marc Rouhette, Chief Operating Officer at Pernel Media.

“Jean Marc brings a fantastic wealth of expertise with him as we gear up for the next stage of our development in both factual and drama programming for the global market. He is an amazing team player I’ve long wanted to bring on board,” said Samuel Kissous, President at Pernel Media.

Jean-Marc is the latest senior executive addition to the Pernel Media management team following the appointment of former ARTE Distribution Head Celine Payot Lehmann as International Executive Producer.

The company has recently announced a string of exciting factual commissions including After the Asteroid for France Télévisions (shortlisted for the “Sunny Side Science Pitch), ‘he Mayans: From Origins To Downfall for RMC Decouverte and Histoire TV and ZDF Info, and premium docu-drama series Rise of the Vikings for Planete+ and C8. The company is also now in production of the sixth series of Real War of Thrones for France Televisions.