SimpelZodiak Strengthens Creative Team

SimpelZodiak, the Dutch label behind local versions of Survivor, MasterChef and Hunted, has bolstered its creative team with several senior hires.

Annabelle Aaftink has been tapped as head of development, assuming overall responsibility for the creative team. She joins from Tuvalu Media, where she worked with streamers and commercial broadcasters on a slate of content, including Kamp van Koningsbrugge.

Aaftink will work closely with Stijn Ouwehand, who has been promoted to lead the management of creative output and program development.

SimpelZodiak has also hired designer and developer Henk Vernout, casting and development executive Jamy Lee Roy and senior creative producer Vincent Sewalt.

“I’m extremely proud that Annabel, Henk and Jamy Lee have chosen to join SimpelZodiak,” said Justine Huffmeijer, managing director. “They all have an incredible drive and passion for creativity—and this is at the heart of our company. The same goes for Stijn, who is one of the best creatives in the business with a raft of high-profile shows behind his name. I’m very much looking forward to working with this dream team on new successful series for the international market, as well as, of course, our customers and viewers in the Netherlands.”