Talpa staffs up international division

Formats creator and distributor Talpa has rejigged its international department giving Etienne De Jong a permanent role, making him head of international production.

The company is enjoying the international success of The Voice format and has also recruited a new head of sales and launched a digital division.

De Jong has previously worked at Endemol, All3Media’s now defunct White Smoke and Talpa. His most recent work has been as a consultant, working on local versions of The Voice in France and Germany.

The permanent international production role at Talpa is a new position within Martin Meijs’ Talpa International division and will see De Jong will work with local producers on the roll-out of all Talpa formats across the globe.

Other changes in the international division include Gepke Nederlof being appointed head of sales and André Adema appointed business director. Adema’s previous experience includes stints at Endemol and FremantleMedia-owned Blue Circle.

“The expansion of our catalogue and the growing number of successful formats, including The Voice, Beat the Best, I Love My Country and The Winner is… means we are constantly scrutinising our organisation,” said Meijs. “Following this expansion of our distribution, production support and services related to digital applications and brand licensing, we are extremely confident that Talpa is in a perfect position to take full advantage of the international exploitation of our formats on all possible platforms.”