Spring Films, the production company behind Werner Herzog’s Into The Inferno and André Singer’s Night Will Fall, has hired Chris Smith as its new chief executive.

With Smith’s appointment, company founder André Singer will focus more on creative projects and move to the role of chief creative officer. He will continue to work closely with creative director Kathy Myers and with Figs Jackman, Spring’s head of global development.

Richard Melman is retiring from his role as managing director and will now concentrate on executive producing several on-going projects.

Smith, a highly experienced executive in the media and telecoms industry, was formerly managing director, investments, at multinational telecoms giant Liberty Global and has previously worked with several production companies focusing on strategy and business development.

As Spring’s new CEO, Smith will focus on securing investment and developing growth opportunities for the company.

Smith said: “Spring Films has a global reputation for producing award- winning documentaries and I’m delighted to be joining such a wonderful team and excited to see what the future holds”.

André Singer said “Spring has enjoyed great success in recent years, and we are all looking forward to growing still further our impact on the world media stage. I am excited to work with Chris in the months ahead.”