The Goldcrest Group has appointed respected industry veteran Penny Wolf as head of film at its sales and distribution business.

The move comes as Goldcrest - one of the banner names in the British film industry - looks to ramp up its distribution activities.

Wolf, who took over the role on September 1, will be responsible for assembling a slate of feature films for the international market. She will also oversee the company’s various sales and distribution activities for new titles and Goldcrest’s extensive library.

Nick Quested, executive director at Goldcrest, said: “Penny’s unquestionable experience, taste and contacts will provide the depth we need to rise to our distribution ambitions.”

Wolf has extensive experience of the international sales team. She is the former managing director of Peace Arch Entertainment Group and she later took the same role at HBO Films London, which she also launched. Titles she oversaw included Gus Van Sant’s Palme d’Or winner Elephant, the multi-Emmy and Golden Globe winner The Life and Death of Peter Sellers and Maria Full of Grace.

Most recently, she launched The Film Consultancy Partners, a London-based boutique practice providing distribution and finance advice for clients including Target Entertainment Group, Enlightenment Films, World 2000 and Uncommon Productions. She has also held key sales roles at Granada Films, Capitol Films, Senator Film International, and handled on the sales on titles includingVanity Fair, GosfordPark, and Dancing At Lughnasa.

The Goldcrest Group has recently become increasingly active in film financing through Goldcrest Film Finance LLP and Goldcrest Capital Partners LLP. It is renowned as a services house, providing post production picture and sound facilities. Goldcrest has a long history in production and in the 1980s, backed such celebrated British titles as Chariots of Fire and The Killing Fields.