Following a meeting of the board, Michel Gomez has been named as director of France's authors-directors and producers association ARP.

Gomez will succeed outgoing director Pascal Rogard who is heading off to run the writers' syndicate SACD.

Gomez, who moves up from his post as ARP's deputy director, was formerly director of the SRF, the outfit which oversees Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.

Director Pierre Jolivet has been named president of the organisation replacing previous president Coline Serreau. Claude Lelouch and Alain Corneau picking up vice-president duties.

ARP is a strong group which defends the rights of French artists. An annual three-day rendez-vous in the Burgundy town of Beaune falls in October and is notable for well-attended debates on issues facing the industry.