“Power Play at HARI: Sophie ‘Kido’ Prigent Promoted, Toby Jones Hired to Supercharge Global Sales”
The Parisian animation powerhouse HARI is turning up the volume on its global strategy game — and they’re doing it with flair, finesse, and two major talent plays. The studio behind fan-favorite shows like Grizzy & the Lemmings and Mystery Lane has just promoted industry veteran Sophie “Kido” Prigent and brought sales-savvy Toby Jones into the fold, marking a dynamic double move aimed at supercharging their global reach.
Let’s break it down.
From Distribution Dynamo to Strategy Queen
Sophie Prigent — lovingly nicknamed “Kido” by her peers — isn’t new to making waves at HARI. With three solid years under her belt as Head of Distribution, Prigent has been quietly (but effectively) growing HARI’s international reach, making sure your favorite animated raccoons and lemur troublemakers land on screens across the globe.
Now, she’s stepping into a bigger spotlight. As the newly appointed Director of Strategic Partnerships & Financing, Kido will spearhead everything revenue-related: TV and digital distribution, licensing and merchandising (L&M), financing new formats, and exploring creative content extensions. Basically, if it makes money and expands the HARI universe, it’s got her name on it.
Still based in the City of Lights, she’ll report directly to CEO Josselin Charier and continue to help shape the studio’s ambitious next chapter.
Enter: Toby Jones, Sales Ace from Across the Channel
Joining the HARI team with a big splash is Toby Jones, who steps in as the new Head of Sales. Previously at CAKE (and Jetpack Distribution before their acquisition), Jones is no stranger to the wild and wonderful world of kids’ TV. With over six years of experience in international sales and distribution, he’s the perfect pick to handle HARI’s growing portfolio, which now includes The Weasy Family and Baby Lemmings.
Jones will be based in London and report directly to Prigent, making it a power duo of sales and strategy. His first major outing with HARI? None other than MIFA at Annecy this June — the Cannes of animation, if you will.
A New Era for HARI
According to co-founder and co-CEO Josselin Charier, these moves are more than just a game of musical chairs — they’re a signal of serious momentum.
“We’re entering a new chapter for HARI — one driven by bold ambition, international growth and 360° franchise building,” said Charier. “We’re creating original IPs with the power to travel — across platforms, territories, and into pop culture.”
And that 360° franchise vision is already well underway. Just last week, HARI announced a major partnership with Retail Monster to take its characters beyond the screen into toys, merch, and more — setting the stage for global brand domination.
What’s Next?
With Prigent steering strategy and Jones accelerating sales, HARI looks poised to continue its upward trajectory. Their approach? Smart, strategic, and totally in tune with today’s media-savvy, merch-hungry global audience. Whether it’s raccoons on a rampage or a family of weasels navigating their animated world, HARI’s characters are stepping into the spotlight like never before — and the team behind the scenes is making sure they shine.
Final Thoughts: HARI Means Business
If you thought animation studios were just about cute characters and colorful frames — think again. HARI is making serious business moves, building a global empire one strategic hire at a time. With a powerhouse duo like Prigent and Jones at the helm, the company is primed to turn every pixel into profit.
So buckle up. With MIFA around the corner and a world of animated possibilities ahead, HARI’s next act is about to begin — and it’s going to be a blockbuster.
