Fox Kids Europe has promoted Benoit Runel from exec director of programming and acquisitions to SVP of programming. Runel will be responsible for sourcing programming not only for the FKE channels, but also for international distribution (currently serviced by Buena Vista International) and for FKE's consumer products division. FKE believes this operational expansion will also help development its online and interactive business. Runel reports to Bruce Steinberg, FKE's CEO, who is overseeing the programming strategy of FKE in coordination with majority shareholder The Walt Disney Co. Runel joined FKE in 1997. Henrietta Hurford-Jones was also recently promoted in FKE's programming department to director of European acquisitions. Runel said he will be investing in established properties and developing new coproductions to drive the FKE brand. "As part of this ongoing process," Runel said, "we are happy to have just signed seasons two and three of the hit animated series TOTALLY SPIES! with Marathon, and have also closed a multi-territory deal with Fireworks International for their live-action series BLACK HOLE HIGH."
