News

3 November 2008

ENDEMOL APPOINTS CEO OF ASIAN OPERATIONS

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced the appointment of Arjen van Mierlo (39) to the new role of Chief Executive Officer of Asian Operations.

Arjen will oversee Endemol's operations across all of Asia including China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and will be responsible for driving forward the Group's expansion throughout the region.
This will include working closely with Endemol's existing companies in India and South East Asia to further build local output including growth in scripted programming and branded entertainment. It will also see Endemol establishing new production bases across Asia, drawing from local talent in the region.

As part of this, Arjen will work alongside the group's central team in developing licensing and distribution operations throughout Asia as well as pursuing partnerships and joint ventures with local and regional parties, including acquisition of third party IP.

Arjen van Mierlo is a leading executive with fifteen years experience in corporate development and finance. Since joining Endemol in 2000 he has held a number of senior management positions, most recently as Head of International Operations, responsible for the group's global business development, corporate development and M&A activities.

Arjen will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of Asian Operations in early 2009 and will be based in Hong Kong, reporting to Marco Bassetti, Chief Operating Officer of Endemol.

Marco Bassetti comments: "Expanding and consolidating our business across Asia is a key part of our global strategy and a focused regional approach is fundamental to achieving that goal. Arjen has made a significant contribution to Endemol's growth over the last eight years and is exceptionally qualified for this new role."

Arjen van Mierlo adds: "Endemol is well positioned to build on the strong foothold it has already established in Asia. By increasing our production capabilities, expanding our local presence and diversifying our business throughout the region our intention is to make Asia a core part of Endemol's global business."

Endemol currently has local operations in India and South East Asia, as well has having representatives based in China, Korea and Hong Kong.
So far this year the group has secured commissions for over 35 series across 9 territories in Asia. Recent and forthcoming productions include Big Boss and Fear Factor in India; 1 vs. 100 and International King of Sport in China; 1 vs. 100 in Korea; Deal or No Deal, Fear Factor and Dream Academy in the Philippines; and 1 vs. 100 and The Last Passenger in Indonesia.

Arjen van Mierlo's appointment as CEO of Asian Operations follows Endemol's recent announcement that former Executive Vice president of CME Marina Williams is taking on the new role of CEO of Central and Eastern European Operations.

For more information:
Peter Krenn
tel: +31 (0) 35 53 994 37
Charlie Gardner
tel: +44 (0) 7977 075 643
e-mail: media.relations@endemol.com