Universal Pictures Appoints Former StudioCanal Executive Kalle Friz as Germany Chief

Former StudioCanal executive Kalle Friz is joining Universal Pictures International as Managing Director for Germany and Austria.

Friz will report to Paul Higginson, Executive Vice President, EMEA for Universal Pictures International and will be managing day-to-day operations in the territory, which is one of UPI’s biggest theatrical markets.

Karel De Vries, who successfully led the teams in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands during the recruitment process for the German MD position, will be transitioning to the role of Netherlands MD upon Kalle’s arrival.

Friz, who will join Universal in July 2025, “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,” according to a UPI announcement.

At StudioCanal Friz over the past 16 years held several prominent positions, most recently serving as EVP International Operations and CEO Germany where he oversaw the German releases of English-language productions such as the “Paddington” series, and “The Hunger Games” and “Saw” franchises, plus local productions such as “Heidi,” and “The Little Witch.”

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

Paul Higginson commented: “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.”