The Euro50 Q&A: Bernard Dijkhuizen, Ziggo

Ziggo, headed by CEO Bernard Dijkhuizen, remains the Dutch cable market leader. This year the operator has seen strong digital subscriber and revenue growth following the launch of a new TV proposition and success with bundled offerings.

Age 62

Education Technical University of Delft

Previous positions CEO of Ziggo from February 2007, having served as CEO of Essent Kabelcom/@Home from October 2002. Prior to this, was managing director of Libertel Network (part of Vodafone) and served as a member of the board of management of this company with responsibility for marketing, strategy and business development. Early career was with Fokker in production, engineering and commerce. Served as a member of the board of Fokker Aircraft in the early ‘90s with responsibility for marketing, sales and services, and then became CEO of Aircraft Services at Stork and later managing director of Philips Projects from 1998-2000.

Last year’s highlights Cable beating DSL; the start of B2B revenue growth.

Most significant industry development Very fast introduction of tablets and the use of apps.

Goals for next year To provide ‘TV everywhere’: information and entertainment on every screen(TV, PC, laptop, smart phone and tablet) everywhere.

Industry challenges and opportunities Integrated, converged service which offer seamless access (fixed and mobile, technology agnostic) to a broad, attractive world of content to customers in an easy and pleasant way.

Alternative career choice I have been in quite some businesses, and I still find the world of aircraft manufacturing an attractive alternative to media and entertainment.

Most admired personality It is close to impossible these days to really admire individual people who act in the public eye.

Life outside work Playing the piano, jogging and cycling.