Michel Libermann is to become CEO of France Television Distribution (FTD), the film and television rights trading arm of public broadcaster France Television, which includes international sales house President Films.

The 43 year-old Libermann replaces Marc Bonduel, who departed in October to head Pathe's French film distribution arm Pathe Distribution and international sales outfit Pathe International.

Libermann's nomination at the helm of FTD (under president Rene Bonnell) is unlikely to imply major changes in the way the company is run. Like Bonduel, who launched FTD in 1991, Libermann has a background in home video (CBS/Fox). He was also involved in the music business (as CEO of EMI Music France) like FTD's head of home video and music activities Jean-Paul Commin.