Robert Heslop appointed as FIAD's new Secretary General

The International Federation of Film Distributors' Associations (FIAD) is pleased to announce that Robert Heslop has been appointed the new Secretary General.

Robert has worked on FIAD policy since 2020 and supported FIAD's communication outreach since his arrival at Europe Analytica in 2019.

Prior to joining Europe Analytica Robert worked at the European Commission in the Cabinet of Commissioner Navracsics and the Directorate General for Education and Culture as a speech writer and policy officer. This experience instilled in him a strong awareness of the EU's cultural policy framework and an understanding of the EU's decision making procedures.

Robert has a BA in European Studies with German from King’s College London and is working towards a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King’s College London.

Upon this announcement, Robert said: “I am thrilled and excited to take on my new role as Secretary General for FIAD at such a critical moment for film distributors. Under my leadership FIAD will continue its high-level engagement with the European Institutions to call for the financial support and policy changes that our sector needs for a swift and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As digital policies are at the forefront of the European Union’s agenda, FIAD will continue to advocate for strengthened measures which can turn the tide against the scourge of large-scale online piracy. I would also like to thank our outgoing Secretary General, Alina Popescu, for her commitment to FIAD and wish her all the best in her new career path.”

The International Federation of Film Distributors’ Associations (FIAD) represents national associations of film distribution companies, from small and medium-sized ones, specialized in art house films, to larger companies focused on blockbusters.

FIAD members operate in 14 countries where they cover 90 to 100 percent of the theatrical market. Distributors are the lynchpin of the film value chain, helping to connect filmmakers with finance and finished films with wide-ranging audiences.