Endemol Sets Up Global Brands Business

LONDON: Endemol’s new division, Endemol Worldwide Brands, will focus on extending the company’s properties across multiple platforms, including investment in product development and the creation of games applications and branded entertainment.

Serving as CEO of the new division is Oliver Gers, former senior executive at FremantleMedia and IMG Media. As part of his new role, Gers will be responsible for Endemol Group’s key digital activities following the integration of digital into the company’s core commercial business. Gers takes up the post with immediate effect and is based at Endemol Group’s offices in London, reporting to Tom Toumazis, Endemol’s chief commercial officer. Joerg Bachmaier, former senior VP of digital media business development at Endemol USA, has been named senior VP and general manager for the Americas at Endemol Worldwide Brands. Further appointments will be announced in due course.

Toumazis commented: “The launch of Endemol Worldwide Brands represents another significant step forward in our ongoing strategy for growth; one which we believe will add considerable value to our IP. Olivier has a proven track record in the media industry as an innovator with extensive strategic and operational experience. His expertise in brand enhancement through digital media, original content creation and commercial extensions makes him ideally suited to lead this new worldwide venture.”

Gers added: “Endemol is perfectly positioned to launch a successful international business in this space. Its brands are recognized worldwide, attract a huge fan base and can cross over seamlessly into other forms of content and consumer products. This is an extremely exciting opportunity and I’m very much looking forward to the challenge and to working with Endemol’s leading operations around the world.”