News

29 March 2010

ENDEMOL LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL BRANDS BUSINESS

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced the launch of Endemol Worldwide Brands, a global business that will be headed up by newly appointed CEO Olivier Gers.

The new division will focus on extending Endemol properties across multiple platforms.  This will include licensing and merchandising as well as investment in product development and the creation of games applications and social gaming sites.  The division will also work closely with Endemol's operating companies around the world in further co-ordinating and supporting the group's branded entertainment activities.

As part of his remit Gers is responsible for Endemol Group's key digital activities.  This follows the integration of digital into the company's core commercial business, which was recently completed by Chief Commercial Officer, Tom Toumazis and Global Head of Digital Media and New Business, Adam Valkin who stepped down in early March.

Gers is joined by Joerg Bachmaier, formerly Senior Vice President, Digital Media & Business Development at Endemol USA, who has been appointed Senior Vice President / General Manager Americas at Endemol Worldwide Brands, leading the division's activities in the Americas. Further appointments will be announced in due course.

Olivier Gers is a leading media executive with 17 years experience in the industry.

His former roles have included General Manager, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide where he oversaw the exploitation of global brands such the 'Idol' and 'Got Talent' franchises, 'The Price Is Right', 'The X Factor' and 'Baywatch'.  During his five year tenure, Gers grew the company's licensing business five fold and initiated innovative business ventures in mobile video and live entertainment.

He went on to become SVP at IMG where he held two roles. As Global Head, IMG Digital Media, he managed the online and mobile content creation business, leading a global team of nearly 150 people in 10 cities around the world.  As Commercial Director, IMG Entertainment, Gers also led the company's move into branded entertainment production.   

Gers joins Endemol as CEO of Endemol Worldwide Brands with immediate effect and is based at Endemol Group's offices in London, reporting to Tom Toumazis.

Tom Toumazis comments: "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."

Olivier Gers adds: "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."