Universal Pictures International has named Paulo Valente as managing director of Universal Pictures Brazil.

Based in Sao Paulo, Valente will report to Wayne Borg, vice president, Universal Pictures, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The appointment is effective 24th March 2003.

Valente succeeds the present MD, Marc Caux, who successfully transitioned the business from a CIC Video company to an established and thriving Universal Pictures operating company. Caux will now pursue other business interests in Europe.

Valente's responsibilities as managing director will include continuing to build the ongoing rental and retail business in the region and consolidating Universal's presence in the fast-growing DVD market, as well as expanding local acquisition activity.

Prior to joining Universal Pictures Brazil, Valente was group marketing director for Brazil's third largest bank, Santander Banespa Group.