MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor Endemol has announced that Laurens Drillich is to become Endemol Netherlands Media Group MD.

Drillich, who is currently Creative Director of the Amsterdam based producer, will take over the position from Peter Adrichem when the latter steps down on 31 July this year.

Drillich, 47, has held high level positions in the media industry internationally, both in management and as a creative leader. This has included senior roles at companies such as Veronica, BNN, RTL and Endemol Latino in North America.

In his new position Drillich will oversee all of Endemol Netherlands Media Group?s production brands, including Endemol Netherlands, SNP Media, 625 TV Production, TVBV, HaagseBluf and S & V Fiction. Endemol Netherlands Media Group is the country?s largest TV producer.

Endemol Group MD international operations Martha Brass said, "Laurens has the perfect profile to expand our activities in the Netherlands. He has vision and ambition and combines creative talent with business instinct. Furthermore he knows our company inside out and has extensive experience both in broadcasting and production. I am in no doubt that Endemol Netherlands Media Group will greatly benefit from having a professional of his calibre at the helm."

Drillich added, "I am excited about this opportunity. Over the past two years I have got to know the company and the people and have liked all I?ve seen. Everything here is about creativity and we are in good shape. The company is future-proof and performing very well. I?d also like to thank Peter Adrichem for his great contribution to this success. "

Peter Adrichem, who became Endemol Netherlands Media Group MD in February 2009, has taken the decision to step down and is leaving the company by mutual agreement.

Adrichem said, "When I started, the Board of Directors and I agreed that I would stay for three years. The main goals were to renew the organisation, to merge the Dutch Endemol companies and to increase competitiveness. This was an intensive process, which has made us a stronger ompany. The Endemol Netherlands Media Group is now in very good shape. Now that the company is moving to the next phase, it feels like the right time for me to move on. I will miss my colleagues, but I also look forward to the opportunities ahead. "

Endemol Group CFO Just Spee commented, "Peter has successfully modernized our Dutch business. He guided the organization through the economic crisis and laid a strong foundation for the future. His contribution to the international Endemol network has meant a lot to us. I want to thank Peter and wish him every success."