French production and exhibition giant Pathé is looking to “re-launch” its English-language film business with the appointment of FilmNation president of motion pictures Ben Browning as co-CEO of Pathé U.K. and the company’s president of global film.
“Browning will join forces with Faith Penhale, co-CEO of Pathé U.K.,” the company said on Thursday. “Together, they will drive the expansion of the studio’s activities across both film and television for global audiences.” Both will report to Ardavan Safaee, chairman of Pathé Films.
Browning, who will relocate from L.A. to London, is an Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning producer who has served as president of motion pictures at FilmNation since 2023 and was first appointed president of production and acquisitions in 2014. Under Browning’s tenure, FilmNation produced numerous critical and commercial hits, including Arrival, The Big Sick, Promising Young Woman, Conclave and Anora, Pathé highlighted.
“His appointment connects the financier-producers of two of the last four best picture [Oscar] winners, CODA and Anora,” it said. “The team-up of Browning and Penhale positions Pathé as a significant player in the global film and television landscape and reflects Pathé’s ambition to produce and finance British and European films with global appeal, as well as premium television series.”
Said Safaee:“We are delighted to announce that Ben has chosen to join Pathé in spearheading the revitalization of our international film lineup. His extensive experience, distinguished reputation, and impeccable taste align perfectly with our vision to establish Pathé as a leading European studio. With Faith by his side, we are confident that we have assembled a formidable team poised to realize this ambitious goal.”
Said Browning:“I am sincerely grateful for the trust [Pathé head] Jérôme Seydoux, Ardavan Safaee and Faith Penhale are placing in me to help lead this move back into global film for Pathé — a legendary company that means so much to all lovers of cinema.”
And Penhale offered: “I have known and admired Ben for years; his taste and passion is symbiotic with that of Pathé’s, with a dedication to identifying and supporting the most exciting filmmaker talent. We are fortunate at Pathé to have the independence and confidence to build for the long term, and I’m looking forward to working with Ben and leading Pathé UK into a new era.”