Home Entertainment
February 26, 2008
Warner Home Video Names Jaap Bruijnen Managing Director Benelux Succeeding Ruud Lamers
(February 26, 2008 – London) - Philippe Cardon, President, International, Warner Home Video, today announced the promotion of Jaap Bruijnen to Managing Director of Warner Home Video Benelux, effective May 1, 2008. Currently serving as Deputy Managing Director, Benelux, Bruijnen will succeed Ruud Lamers, who recently announced his intention to leave the company at the end of April.
“I take great pride in my years at Warner Home Video Benelux, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Philippe and his senior management team to help lead this company,” said Bruijnen.
Bruijnen worked closely with Lamers as the company began to explore digital distribution in Benelux, becoming the very first studio to deliver download-to-own movies day-and-date with the sale of the DVD.
“I have every confidence that Jaap, with whom I have worked for years, will be a worthy successor to Ruud,” said Ron Sanders, President, Warner Home Video. “Jaap exemplifies the qualities and talents of a world-class managing director and I fully support his appointment to this integral position.”
Bruijnen joined Warner Home Video Benelux in June 2000 as Director of Finance and Operations, putting procedures and policies in place to streamline the enormous growth of DVD at the time. He then became Deputy Managing Director in 2002, partnering with former managing director, Ruud Lamers, on many strategic issues. In 2004, Bruijnen expanded his oversight to sales and marketing and since 2006 has managed the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of the packaged goods side of the business (standard DVD, high definition DVD, and games).
“Jaap brings an invaluable combination of skills, experience and judgment to his new position,” said Philippe Cardon, President, International, Warner Home Video. “Jaap's enormous energy, determination and integrity have earned him great respect, not just in Benelux, but across our company and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to grow our business.”
Among his accomplishments, Bruijnen led the successful integration of Warner Home Video’s finance and corporate finance groups in the Benelux. He has overseen the successful implementation of various worldwide initiatives for Warner Home Video in the Benelux, such as the Common Financials Initiative (CFI), Siebel, and the launch of WHVDirect.com. Furthermore, Bruijnen helped land multiple major acquisitions resulting in a notable increase of the share of local product revenues.
“This is a well-deserved promotion for Jaap. He is widely respected throughout the territory, the company and the accounting profession for his integrity, judgment and financial expertise. I'm confident he will continue to play a key role in helping maximize the potential of our organization,” said Yves Caillaud, Senior Vice President, International, Warner Home Video.
Prior to joining Warner Home Video in July of 2000, Bruijnen held various finance related jobs with several U.S. companies, including Conoco, PepsiCo and Tupperware Co. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Administration.
About Warner Home Video
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video, and New Line Home Entertainment. # # #