Blyk advances on Europe with new Dutch boss

Advertising-funded youth MVNO Blyk is a step closer to launch in the Netherlands, having appointed a managing director for the new venture.

Eric Kip, currently planning director for EMEA at media agency MediaCom, will take on the role at Blyk in September ahead of Blyk’s Dutch launch.

Said Kip: "We are offering a unique mobile communication concept to young people. I am very excited to start with Blyk and introduce the company to the Dutch youth and advertisers."

Kip has previously been chief executive of media agency Initiative Group Netherlands, marketing director at Coca-Cola and has held several marketing positions at Danone and Sara Lee.

Blyk co-founder Pekka Ala-Pietilä said: "Eric Kip has more than 20 years of experience in marketing. He has worked with many youth brands and has an excellent network with advertisers.

"We are convinced Blyk will succeed in becoming the new Dutch communication channel for young people."

Blyk launched last September in the UK, and had recruited 100,000 customers by April.

Last month, it said it would expand into Germany, Spain and Belgium in 2009.

Ala-Pietilä said: "Young people are interested in the Blyk proposition. They want to interact with brands they like in exchange for free communication.

"Our success in the UK, illustrated by robust member adoption, has proven Blyk is a youth media that works. We hope to replicate this success as we enter new countries.

"We are also working to attract local talent who share our enthusiasm and can help build Blyk into a significant youth media in other countries."