DPG Media unveils new strategic direction and executive structure
DPG Media today announced its new strategy and organisational structure, officially marking the start of its transformation following the acquisition of RTL Nederland. The media company is shifting from being primarily a publishing business to an integrated publishing and audio-visual enterprise.
Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media, said: "This marks the start of a new era for our organisation. The new executive structure is essential to realising our ambition: to become the leader in streaming entertainment, digital news provision, and consumer advice. We will achieve this with the best stories and programmes, offered via user-friendly platforms, within our independent network of high-quality media brands." Roddenhof emphasised that DPG Media will value all media types: "We will continue to develop our more traditional media to ensure they remain relevant and accessible for both consumers and advertisers."
Three Business Units for Maximum Impact
To leverage economies of scale and respond more flexibly to the changing needs of streamers, viewers, listeners, readers, and advertisers, the organisation will be divided into three business units effective 1 December, supported by central departments such as Advertising, Technology, and Staff.
1. Audio & Video
This business unit will be led by Sven Sauvé, who will have overall responsibility for the two local Audio & Video organisations in Belgium and the Netherlands. The focus is on developing a successful, leading streaming service featuring the best local series and programmes. Dirk Lodewyckx will lead the Audio & Video division in Belgium and will also be responsible for the Radio organisation in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Within the video organisation, Peter van der Vorst will take overall responsibility for content and programming across Belgium and the Netherlands, with local embedding ensured by two Content Directors in both countries. Davy Parmentier will become the Director of Content in Belgium.
2. News Media & Magazines
Bert Willemsen will have overall responsibility for this business unit. The ambition is to grow daily usage, digital subscriptions, and advertising revenue in Belgium and the Netherlands. This is crucial to securing the future of the editorial teams and contributing structurally to a rich and diverse media landscape. In the Netherlands, Kamilla Leupen will take charge of News Media, while Joyce Nieuwenhuijs will remain responsible for Magazines. In Belgium, News Media will be led by Nicholas Lataire.
3. Online Services
This business unit, led by Felix Tenniglo, focuses on the growth of online service brands that guide, advise, and inspire consumers regarding large or complex purchases. Special Interest Media (SIM), such as Tweakers and vtwonen, will also be included here to broaden the offering.
Advertising Organisation: Three Sales Houses and One Leading Buying Platform
DPG Media’s ambition is to develop Ad Manager into the leading advertising buying platform for all quality media (audio, video, and display) in Belgium and the Netherlands. The advertising organisation will operate with three separate sales houses in Belgium and the Netherlands, that collaborate and report to the respective business unit directors. The Radio sales team in the Netherlands will be integrated into Ad Alliance, led by Ton Rozestraten. Barbara Hazenberg will manage Publishing Advertising (print & digital) in the Netherlands, and Wim Jansen will lead the Belgian advertising activities.
The new executive structure will take effect from 1 December. The business units will further elaborate on the plans and associated teams, with the necessary employee consultation processes being carefully followed.