Broadband TV News: Viaplay Group announces new operating model

Story from Broadband TV News:

The President and CEO of Viaplay has hinted that the Nordic streamer might reduce its presence in some markets.

The troubled firm has announced a new Nordic country-based operating model and changes to its executive management team. It follows the departure of Anders Jensen as CEO and the return of Jørgen Madsen Lindemann to the top job.

A new Nordic operating model will be based around country management teams with full responsibility for the daily operation and strategic development of the businesses, including full line of sight and accountability for sales, costs, profitability, cashflows, content, marketing and people operations.

“This is the first of what will be a number of step changes to ensure that we are investing in the areas where we see the greatest potential, that we are laser focused on the daily business of creating locally relevant products and experiences, and that we are as close as possible to our customers,” said Madsen Lindemann. “We are reviewing the competitiveness of all of our operations, and will make the necessary changes in order to drive higher performance levels and improve the returns on our content and technology investments.”

Lars Bo Jeppesen has been appointed as EVP and CEO of the Danish and Icelandic operations and will join on 1 August. Kenneth Andresen has been appointed as interim CEO of the Norwegian operation. Peter Nørrelund, who recently rejoined the Group as EVP and Chief Sports & Business Development Officer, will also take on responsibility for the Group’s operations in the Netherlands, Poland, Baltics, and the UK. The other members of the executive leadership team reporting into the Group CEO are: Enrique Patrickson (EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy and M&A); Philip Wågnert (EVP and Chief Technology & Product Officer); My Perrone (EVP and Group General Counsel); Matthew Hooper (returning to his role as EVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer); Vanda Rapti (EVP, Viaplay Select & Content Distribution); and Christian Albeck (EVP, Content Acquisition).

“The new team has the competence, experience and passion to drive the business forward,” said Madsen Lindemann, who will also be interim CEO of the Swedish and Finnish operations while the search is made for a permanent appointment.