Didier Lupfer, the former head of movie channels at French digital satellite service TPS, is moving to the platform's archrival Canal Plus, where he takes up the role of programme development chief.

Lupfer will be responsible for the creation of channels destined for Canal Plus' future digital terrrestrial franchise - which are expected to include a movie-themed channel. He will report to general manager in charge of programmes Alain de Greef and programming manager Bibiane Godefroy.

Lupfer, 35, has spent most of his career at companies involved with Luxembourg-based brodcaster CLT which is a shareholder in TPS. He has headed four cable and satellite movie channels, including Cinestar 1 and Cinestar 2, classic movie channel Cinetoile and Cinefaz, which was launched last year.

Lupfer was instrumental in the development of Cinefaz, a channel aimed at the 15-35 age group which broadcasts films along thematic lines and has quickly found its audience.