Canada's film and television development agency Telefilm has appointed three new management executives as part of plans to improve its "decision-making, processes and overall performance" announced by executive director Richard Stursberg at Banff in June.

Paris-based director of Telefilm's European office, Sheila de La Varende moves to a new position of head of international development and promotion. While maintaining her existing European role, she takes on additional responsibility for promoting Canada's film and TV industries abroad.

Stephane Odesse, currently Telefilm's legal counsel has been appointed general counsel and access to information co-ordinator; while Louise Deslauriers, who was appointed as interim head of Telefilm's feature films business unit Quebec in February, takes on the role permanently.

Stursberg said the appointments would help Telefilm to consolidate its organisational structure. "They will allow us quickly and efficiently to make the changes necessary to operate in a market that presents multiple challenges," he said.