Universal’s MD for France holds an additional office as the MD of Italy

Universal executive and Managing Director for France since 2016, Xavier Albert is taking on a dual-market role with the studio, which is a first for UPI.Albert will take over the Managing Director Italy post from Richard Borg who is to retire this July after 30 years of service.

Universal’s President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, made the news official in a note to staff today.

Albert will report to the new Executive Vice President of EMEA, a role that is still not filled. Meanwhile, he will report directly to Niels Swinkels, EVP International Distribution.

Said Kwan Vandenberg, “I believe it positions us well to have a multi-market perspective in these regions as we continue to navigate the evolving industry landscape.” Albert, she said, “is well-placed to take on this new expanded role and effectively lead both regions through the continuing effects of the pandemic and towards a post-pandemic recovery.”

Before joining Universal, Albert held several executive roles at Netflix and Disney in France over the past five years, he has “brilliantly managed the distribution of our Universal slate in France, as well as great results with local content fare,” Kwan Vandenberg noted.

Albert will report to the new Executive Vice President of EMEA, a role that is in the process of being filled. In the interim, he will report directly to Niels Swinkels, EVP International Distribution.