Andrea Piersanti has been named the new president of Istituto Luce, the Rome-based state distributor which is also involved in production and exhibition.

Piersanti, 44, is currently the president of the catholic entertainment organisation, Ente dello Spettacolo. He replaces Antonio More, who was temporarily appointed after industry veteran Angelo Guglielmi stepped down from the position at the end of 2001.

Meanwhile, Cinecitta Holding, the state holding company that owns Istituto Luce, also appointed Luciano Sovena, as CEO. Sovena, an entertainment lawyer, replaces Roberto Patruno.