Pathe strengthens international team with two new hires in expanding London office
Emma Ruffingham has joined as creative director for television and Claudia Youssef has been appointed global director for film, the additions less than two months after Pathé appointed former FilmNation executive Ben Browning as co-CEO of Pathé UK, underscoring its global English-language filmmaking ambitions. Both will report directly to Browning and co-CEO Faith Penhale.
Mr Ruffingham previously spent six years as head of development at World Productions, overseeing the company’s drama development and most recently serving as executive producer on series including ITV’s Malpractice and Karen Pirie and BBC’s Show Trial. She began appearing in BBC drama scripted programs, including the BAFTA-winning Three Girls, before appearing in Tiger Aspect. In her new role at Pathé, she will work closely with Penhalle and be responsible for expanding and shaping its growing premium television projects.
Youssef was most recently head of commissioning for BBC Films and was an executive producer on a number of films including In Camera, The End We Start From, Outrun and Hamlet.
“I am honored to join Ben and the rest of the team at Pathé, a company with such an illustrious history, at such a pivotal and exciting time in its recommitment to international film,” said Youssef.
“After six stellar years at Worlds, I am thrilled to be joining Pathé at such a defining moment in its iconic history,” said Ruffingham. “I have long admired the extraordinary body of work that Faith has produced throughout her illustrious career and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work with her to grow our ambitious TV show and continue to champion Britain’s incredible creative talent.”
Browning and Penhale added: “Emma and Claudia both have deep creative relationships and career track records, which speaks to their immense talent. Their hire demonstrates the scale of our ambitions in the UK and we can’t wait to see what happens as we write the next chapter for Pathé.”
