Will Smith's Telepool Names Jan Frouman CEO

He replaces André Druskeit at the German rights group, which Smith and Swiss director Marc Forster acquired in 2018.

German licensing, distribution, and production company Telepool said Friday that it has named Jan Frouman CEO and managing director, effective immediately.

He replaces André Druskeit who has stepped down from his role at the German rights group "to pursue other opportunities," the firm said.

Will Smith and Swiss director Marc Forster (World War Z) in 2018 acquired Telepool with an eye to repurposing the company as a vehicle for their own projects.

Frouman, who will be based out of Telepool’s headquarters in Munich., said: "It's hard to imagine a more exciting time to be in the content business. Audiences have unparalleled global access – at the same time local creators and storytellers are producing their best work.  I am excited to position Telepool to thrive in that environment."

Frouman will also join Westbrook Inc., launched by Smith, his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and partners Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada in 2019, as a senior advisor "providing strategic direction on Westbrook’s global expansion through content company investments and partnerships."

Telepool is active in theatrical and multi-platform distribution and global co-production. Druskeit served in various roles at Telepool for 15 years, first as CFO and deputy managing director and in the past two years as CEO and managing director.

Said Yada, Westbrook’s CEO: "We are thrilled to have Jan both running Telepool and advising Westbrook, which is working with creators around the world to fulfill the high demand for high-quality film, television, and digital content. Jan’s experience and vision will be key to both companies’ expansion plans."

Frouman a decade ago launched, and then served as chairman and CEO of,  Red Arrow Studios, the production and distribution group that is part of German media giant ProSiebenSat.1.

Previously, Frouman also served as a director at media-focused private equity firm Saban Capital Group.