Disney+ hires Fox Networks alum Evert van der Veer as EMEA programming VP

The Walt Disney Company (TWDC)-owned streamer Disney+ in EMEA has appointed Evert van der Veer as VP of programming as it continues to target subscribers in the region.

Evert Van der Veer

Amsterdam-based Van der Veer joined the Mouse House on October 4 and is responsible for shaping Disney+ programming strategy across EMEA.

C21 recently reported on Disney+ ramping up its original commissions in Europe, with an eye on edgier content for its general entertainment brand Star.

The exec will travel regularly to London and other EMEA markets, managing content planning and operations and regulatory compliance for the region, as Disney+ looks to continue adding subscribers in EMEA.

Van der Veer was previously general manager at Fox Networks Group for sub-Saharan Africa and has also held other roles held at iflix and ViacomCBS.

He brings over 20 years’ experience in the media industry, leading programming strategies for linear and OTT platforms across entertainment, factual, kids and sports.

In Europe, Disney+ is set to create 60 local productions by 2024 as part of its commitment to source, develop and produce original productions on the continent, where Jan Koeppen is president of TWDC EMEA.

Former BBC Studios exec Liam Keelan is TWDC’s VP of original productions for EMEA and works with other UK-based Disney+ execs such as Lee Mason and Sean Doyle, who look after scripted and unscripted respectively, while Johanna Devereaux is director of scripted content at TWDC in EMEA.

As part of TWDC’s commitment to Europe, two new roles were created earlier this year in Spain and Germany. Sofía Fábregas was appointed as VP of original productions in Iberia, while Benjamina Mirnik-Voges was named VP of original productions in Germany.

Both are responsible for developing and producing local Disney- and Star-branded originals for Disney+. They report to local leadership and Diego Londono, executive VP of media networks and content at TWDC EMEA, who works in collaboration with Keelan.