Endemol group gears up for Dutch online gambling legalisation

According to the publication Dutch Media News, Endemol’s UK managing director Jurian van der Meer (42) will return to the Netherlands on April 1 this year to take over as group commercial director responsible for concepts and licensing as the Dutch government closes in on the regulation and licensing of online gambling.

Van der Meer’s new appointment reflects the ambition of the Endemol group to expand outside of its core activities to include branded content, cross-media concepts, gaming and online and mobile gambling in legal, regulated environments, according to a company announcement.

Laurens Drillich, managing director of Endemol Netherlands Media Group, commented this week that Van Der Meer’s arrival was a significant development.

“Jurian is a great asset.  Because of his expertise in the field of innovative concepts, gaming, digital video and new business he has been highly regarded for many years within the global Endemol organisation.  With such a heavyweight on board, we can better and more quickly respond to new opportunities in the market,”  he said.

Van der Meer is reportedly excited about his new responsibilities, saying: “Endemol Netherlands has in recent years undergone significant development.  It has thought intelligently about brands, both commercially and creatively.  Moreover, the company is investing strongly in new initiatives such as the recently announced partnership with TMG, the focus on online gambling, and the second screen app GTST.  This shows that the group vision is forward-looking, and that really appeals to me. ”

Van der Meer can boast extensive experience in the media industry.  Prior to joining Endemol, he was a managing partner of the Dutch digital division at advertising agency Lowe.  His career at Endemol began in 2001 as a member of the Global Creative Team, followed by a move in 2010 to Endemol UK, where he led the commercial and licensing activities related to digital media, and as UK managing director was responsible for international business development in the field of gaming.

He has been involved in a number of successful partnership deals with major international players that have included Facebook, Google, YouTube, Microsoft and Electronic Arts.  He also worked on the development of branded games for various global online casinos and lotteries, and bingo and gambling concepts in line with TV formats like Big Brother and Deal or no Deal.

With his move to the Netherlands, Van der Meer will also join the executive management team of the group, which is controlled by the two directors of Endemol Netherlands Media Group, consisting of general manager and managing director Laurens Drillich and Lucas Goes, assisted by management consultant Dick van der Graaf.

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