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.
