Superna Kalle leaves Starz and is replaced by Darren Nielson

Superna Kalle, president of Starz International Networks, is leaving the company after five years and will be replaced by Darren Nielson.

Kalle will stay on for a transition period of two months before assuming new responsibilities.

As Executive Vice President, International Networks, Nielson will report to Starz President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. He will oversee the UK, Latin America and Brazil, Canada and Australia, and look after the recently rebranded international streamer Lionsgate+, which changed its name from Starzplay International last year while Starz remains the brand name in the US.

His promotion comes at a time of change, as Lionsgate is in the process of separating its studio from Starz.

Kalle underwent a major international shift, moving to more territories and using local originals, such as a German adaptation of night in paradise and some from Spain. As territorial expansion increased and local originals initially gained traction, the light gas and dangerous relationships Streamer will soon be pulled from Germany, Italy, Benelux, Japan, France, Spain and Scandinavia amid talks about further restructuring, it was revealed late last year.

Hirsch said Kalle has “done an incredible job quickly scaling an international service from the ground up, establishing many new distribution partnerships and building a solid slate of international original series,” adding, “We’re grateful for her leadership and dedication.” the company and wish her every success.”

He also praised Nielson for “playing a significant role in building our international business by working with Superna since he joined the company in 2018.”

Former Netflix director of content acquisition Nielson joined Starz in 2018 as senior vice president, international business development and partnerships – SVoD and was promoted to EVP, international business development and partnerships last year.

Kalle added: “Darren has been my right hand in starting and building the global business and has excellent relationships with key partners around the world. He will do a great job leading the next phase of STARZ International.”