M ontreal-based distributor Axia Films has hired former Universal Pictures exec Jean Benoît in an expansion to English Canada.

Benoît joins Axia Films in the newly-created position of director of operations for the English Canadian market.

He is tasked with overseeing English market operations, business development, multiplatform sales and bookings, according to a spokesperson for Axia Films.

Benoît (pictured right) most recently served as VP, sales – Canada at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. He has more than 30 years of experience working in Canada’s entertainment industry, working on sales for titles such as Despicable Me, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park, according to a news release. He has also worked as special advisor to federal and provincial government agencies around issues for the entertainment industry.

Axia Films president Armand Lafond said in a statement that Benoît is a “true asset” to the team, having worked with him “for many years when he was at Universal Pictures.”

The distributor is set to release Christophe Honoré’s Le Lycéen (pictured above) on Dec. 9. Axia’s 2023 film slate includes Sophie Dupuis’ Solo, Robin Aubert’s Tu ne sauras jamais and Nathalie St-Pierre’s Sur la terre comme au ciel. Axia previously released Dupius’ feature Souterrain, which earned more than $465,000 at the Canadian box office during its theatrical run in 2021.

Image courtesy of Axia Films