Sanoma Uitgevers simplifies organisational structure
Hoofddorp, 1 October 2009 – Sanoma Uitgevers intends to simplify its organisational structure on 1 January 2010 to better respond to a changing media landscape and the demands of consumers and advertisers. The new structure will be based on two pillars: digital and print media. The corporate brand names Jonge Gezinnen, Sanoma Men’s Magazines (SMM) and ilse media will seize to exist.
All digital activities of Sanoma Uitgevers, its subsidiaries Jonge Gezinnen and Sanoma Men’s Magazines (SMM) will be bundled under ilse media, using Sanoma Digital as a corporate brand. This creates a broad digital network. The general management of the digital organisation remains the responsibility of COO Digital Michiel Buitelaar. All print activities will be placed under Sanoma Uitgevers, managed by COO Print Henk Scheenstra. Both Buitelaar and Scheenstra will report to Sanoma Uitgevers CEO Dick Molman.
By simplifying its organisational structure Sanoma Uitgevers is able to respond to media market changes more efficiently, and the company increases its commercial focus. This is needed to realise the ambition to become the largest Dutch media company. At this moment, Sanoma Uitgevers is already the largest multimedia publisher in the Netherlands, reaching 91% through its print and digital media.
The new organisational structure will lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness. It will be easier to share knowledge, the focus will be clearer, and people can be deployed more effectively. In recent years, staff costs have risen too strongly related to revenue growth. In the coming years these costs will be brought in line with the lower revenue growth that is expected. Savings can be realised in a multitude of ways, amongst others by sobering labour conditions and by reducing the number of full-time equivalents. Lay-offs, on a small scale, will not be ruled out.
In the coming years, Sanoma Uitgevers wants to expand its position as market leader. The company will continue to invest in magazines and believes in their power, also in the long run. In digital media growth can be realised by offering new mobile services, online video and the further expansion of existing platforms.
About Sanoma Uitgevers:
With almost 80 consumer magazines (including accompanying extensions) and more than 180 websites Sanoma Uitgevers is the largest cross media publisher in the Netherlands. In 2008 Sanoma Uitgevers and its subsidiaries (Sanoma Magazines Netherlands) generated net sales of €515.7 million. In Hoofddorp approximately 1,000 employees work together in editorial teams and support departments. The subsidiaries Sanoma Men’s Magazines, Jonge Gezinnen, Mood for Magazines and ilse media add an additional 750 employees. Sanoma Uitgevers is part of Sanoma Magazines.
The magazines and digital media of Sanoma Magazines inform, inspire and connect millions of people in different life stages in thirteen European countries.* Sanoma Magazines is a Division of the Sanoma Group, a strong European media group operating in diverse fields of media in more than twenty European countries.
* Sanoma Magazines is active in Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
For more information, please contact (not for publication):
Sanoma Uitgevers
