Canal+ has officially begun the integration of MultiChoice Group (MCG), marking a significant milestone in the creation of a global media and entertainment powerhouse. This follows the release of the Finalisation Announcement today, confirming a restructured MCG Board and the appointment of new executive leadership for Canal+ operations across Africa.
Effective immediately, the newly constituted MCG Board consists of Maxime Saada as Chair (executive), Elias Masilela as Lead Independent Director (independent non-executive), David Mignot as Chief Executive Officer (executive), Nicolas Dandoy as Chief Financial Officer (executive), Kgomotso Moroka (independent non-executive), Louisa Stephens (independent non-executive), Deborah Klein (independent non-executive), James du Preez (independent non-executive), and Jacques du Puy (executive).
A majority of these directors, including Elias Masilela, Kgomotso Moroka, Louisa Stephens, Deborah Klein, and James du Preez, previously served as independent non-executive directors at MCG and will continue in that capacity. The new appointees — Maxime Saada, David Mignot, Nicolas Dandoy, and Jacques du Puy — were appointed by the Board in accordance with MCG’s Memorandum of Incorporation, effective from the release of the Finalisation Announcement.
Simultaneously, the remaining members of the former MCG Board — Calvo Mawela, Timothy Jacobs, Christine Sabwa, Dr. Fatai Sanusi, and Andrea Zappia — have stepped down with immediate effect. Both Canal+ and MCG expressed their appreciation for the departing board members' leadership and their instrumental role in delivering this transformative transaction.
As part of the new leadership structure, David Mignot has been appointed CEO of Canal+ Africa, and Nicolas Dandoy will serve as CFO. Calvo Mawela, the outgoing CEO of MCG, will now chair Canal+ Africa, overseeing all operations across the continent. Timothy Jacobs, the outgoing CFO of MCG, will continue in a senior role within the finance department of the combined group.
A general meeting of MCG shareholders will be convened in the coming weeks to vote on the appointment of three additional directors: Anant Singh as Independent Non-Executive Director, Amandine Ferre as Executive Director, and Mireille Kabamba as Non-Executive Director. Shareholders will also be asked to confirm the appointments of the other new directors announced today.
Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, emphasized the importance of this merger, stating:
“Today marks an important step forward for Canal+, as we begin to integrate MultiChoice to create a group with enhanced scale, reach and creativity... We are now positioned as a global media and entertainment powerhouse, serving more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries.”
He highlighted that the integration strengthens Canal+’s position in high-growth pay-TV markets in Africa while reinforcing its leadership in Europe. The company plans to invest further in both local and global content, including sports and original productions, through its in-house studio, STUDIOCANAL.
Calvo Mawela, now Chair of Canal+ Africa, commented:
“This is an exciting new chapter for our company and for Africa’s media industry. Our shared commitment to delivering great content and supporting our communities remains unchanged.”
David Mignot, the new CEO of Canal+ Africa, added, “Together, we will harness digital innovation to expand access, enhance experiences, and bring compelling programming to more homes – giving Africa a stronger voice on the world stage.”
A comprehensive update on the strategy for the combined group is expected to be shared with the market in the first quarter of 2026.
