The executive will be based in London and reports to co-president of Focus Features International Alison Thompson in the run-up to a prestigious Cannes for the company.

Focus’ Moonrise Kingdom is the opening night selection on the Croisette and FFI’s slate includes the untitled international thriller starring Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall for director John Crowley, set to begin shooting in the UK next month.

Elmer served three years as head of acquisitions at Pathe. He began his career at Miramax where he spent more than eight years in acquisitions, production, marketing and publicity.

“Having first-hand experience of working with Emil, I’ve long been impressed by his outstanding knowledge and thorough approach to the international business,” Thompson said. “He has the wealth of experience that is an absolute necessity in our business and his expertise and valuable relationships will bolster the company as we celebrate Focus’ 10-year anniversary and field a particularly exciting slate of movies this year.”

“Over the last decade, Focus has built an outstanding reputation as one of the world leaders in independent global cinema,” Elmer said. “They continue to be at the cutting edge of the creative and financial evolution of the business, and I’m proud to be joining the team to work with their incredible roster of films and filmmakers.”