FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Keesing Appoints Nick Hugh as CEO
Keesing Media Group (“Keesing”), the world’s largest ‘braintainment’ publisher and portfolio company of BC Partners, today announced that Nick Hugh will become Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Philip Alberdingk Thijm, effective October 1st, 2026. Philip will transition to a non-executive director role on Keesing’s Board from 1st January, 2027.
Nick joins Keesing with a wealth of experience across media, digital transformation and international growth — expertise that will help the business build on its market-leading position and capitalise on tailwinds in the industry. He most recently served as CEO of Venatus, the global gaming and entertainment advertising technology business, and spent nearly seven years as CEO of the Telegraph Media Group, where he led a significant digital transformation and diversified revenue streams across the organisation.
Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of Keesing, said:
“On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Nick as CEO. His extensive experience driving growth in media businesses makes him exactly the right leader to guide Keesing through its next chapter, as rapid advances in AI reshape our industry, younger audiences increasingly embrace print and digital puzzle-making, and we pursue our ambitions to grow our digital footprint, together presenting a significant opportunity. At the same time, I want to thank Philip for his contribution to Keesing over more than a decade. He has led this business through a period of growth and transformation, and he leaves Keesing in a very strong position.”
Nick Hugh, incoming CEO of Keesing, said:
“Keesing has an incredible heritage and an even more exciting future ahead and I’m honoured to be joining a business with such strong momentum. As the pace of technological change accelerates, Keesing is exceptionally well positioned to cement its leadership position in ‘braintainment’ globally, and I’m looking forward to working with the board and the leadership team to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”
Philip Alberdingk Thijm said:
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead Keesing for more than 12 years. Together, we have grown the company from a regional, single-product business into a global leader in ‘braintainment’, building on organic growth while successfully completing and integrating 22 acquisitions, all while staying true to the innovation and creativity that have defined Keesing for 115 years. I’m grateful to everyone across the business for their hard work and commitment, and I look forward to continuing to support Keesing as a board member.”
Since BC Partners acquired Keesing in 2021, the company has transformed from a pan-European puzzle maker to a globally leading ‘Braintainment’ content platform. In this time, revenues have almost doubled, driven by resilient organic growth and strategic acquisitions, with the firm expanding into new geographies, new monetisation models, new channels, and new products.
-ENDS-
About Keesing Media Group
Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Keesing Media Group operates in 14 core markets and now employs more than 950 puzzle enthusiasts worldwide. We create and distribute puzzle content across print, digital and hybrid formats, powering some of the world’s most recognisable media and retail platforms. Our brands include Denksport, Tankesport, Megastar, Synonymer.se, and dozens more.
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