Banijay Benelux names experienced exec Justine Huffmeijer as SimpelZodiak MD

Banijay Benelux has appointed Justine Huffmeijer as managing director of local unscripted prodco SimpelZodiak.

Justine Huffmeijer

Starting in February, Huffmeijer will have overall responsibility of SimpelZodiak, leading all business operations and overseeing its portfolio, which includes local adaptations of Hunted and Temptation Island.

Huffmeijer succeeds Laurens Woldberg, who is leaving the company to work as a creative producer at Dutch broadcaster KRO-NCRV.

Responsible for the label’s creative pipeline for linear broadcasters and streaming platforms, she will have a remit to expand the slate for the local and international markets.

Huffmeijer will also join the Banijay Benelux management board, reporting to company CEO Peter Lubbers.

Huffmeijer’s career encompasses a mix of broadcaster and production company experience, including Eyeworks, IDTV and Net5, where she was channel director, supervising MasterChef. Elsewhere, at RTL she oversaw Banijay titles Temptation Island and Expedition Robinson.

Peter Lubbers, CEO at Banijay Benelux, said: “Justine is well-known for her entrepreneurial creative character and enthusiasm for the media industry. She has built a versatile career and is already familiar with the beautiful brands of SimpelZodiak from previous roles.”

Justine Huffmeijer, MD of SimpelZodiak, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity that I have happily seized with both hands. To lead a company with SimpelZodiak’s reputation, specialising in adventure, reality and factual entertainment, suits me like no other. I’m very much looking forward to contributing to the strong brands across the slate, such as Hunted and Temptation Island, and growing the business even further. I can’t wait to meet all the producers and team and build the future of SimpelZodiak together.”