Dirk Lisowsky has been appointed managing director of Universal Pictures Video Germany, replacing Haig Balian who headed up both theatrical and video operations for Universal in Germany before the decision to channel theatrical product through UIP.

Lisowsky previously managed DreamWorks' operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Prior to that he held the position of sales director at Buena Vista Home Entertainment Germany where he built the sell-through business for titles such as The Lion King and The Jungle Book.

Universal Germany's former chief, Balian, has been tipped as a co-chair of Canal Plus' proposed link-up with German distributor Tobis.