Communications and Research Committee

The function of the Communications and Research Committee is to manage the creation and distribution of external communications, campaigns and promotional activity on behalf of the DEGE. This remit encompasses media and analyst relations, sales promotions as well as consumer awareness and education campaigns.

Communications and Research Committee Chair
Darren Linton
Vice President, New Release International Marketing, Universal Pictures International Entertainment



Darren Linton is Vice President for International Marketing of New Releases, Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE).

Darren is based in London, with overall responsibility for the development and execution of UPIE’s international marketing strategies. Darren’s key remit is to maximise revenue and contribution of film titles on DVD and digital format through 12 operating companies, covering 27 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australasia. Prior to this role, Darren held Marketing Director and Marketing Manager posts for UPIE’s UK operating company. Darren boasts a robust marketing background with previous UK and international experience. He has been with UPIE for over ten years, with notable successes such as leading the strategy and execution of UPIE’s most profitable release of all time - Mamma Mia!

Current committee members
Tom Christie-Miller (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment), Robin Cleasby (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment), Graham Heaton (Warner Home Video and Digital Distribution) and Danielle Jacob (Technicolor).

Supply Chain Efficiencies Committee

The operational role of the Supply Chain Efficiencies Committee is to benchmark the home entertainment industry’s economic and environmental footprint and to then identify ways in which these impacts can be mitigated. A current major focus for the committee is its green transformation project, which is intended to establish a baseline for the industry’s carbon footprint then explore and evaluate ways in which it can be reduced. As part of the project, the committee has established three working subgroups to look at Methodology; Creative and Packaging; and, Replication and Distribution issues.

Supply Chain Efficiencies Chair
Edwin van der Meerendonk
Vice President, European Operations, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment



Edwin van der Meerendonk is Vice President, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Europe in charge of the European supply chain. In this role, he is ultimately responsible for efficient, effective and customer focussed supply chain operations. This is achieved by monitoring, managing and controlling the performance of supply chain (partners) and the instigation of continuous strategic improvement projects.

Van der Meerendonk has more than 15 years experience in supply chain management, five of which were spent as an international consultant. As a consultant, he worked with a number of multinational companies on supply chain related projects pertaining to order management and fulfilment, inventory management, network optimisation and consumer response management.

Current Committee members
Andreas Pott (Arvato), Natasha Currie (Sony Pictures Entertainment), Roy Fossett (Technicolor), Martyn Graham (Warner Bros), Siegfried Obermayr (Sony DADC), Nancy Pearmain (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment), Alan Sander (Universal Pictures International Entertainment).

New and Emerging Technologies Taskforce

The New and Emerging Technologies Taskforce was established in the Summer of 2009 to explore and evaluate the technological and commercial opportunities of current and future home entertainment technologies. Its membership includes consumer electronics manufacturers, content producers and organisations involved in the digital supply chain.

Membership of the Taskforce is open to all interested companies even if they are not current members of the DEGE. To get involved, contact the Executive Secretary of the DEGE: jbrayshaw@webershandwick.com or +44 207 067 0523.

New and Emerging Technologies Taskforce Leader
Jonathan Beardsworth
Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Europe, Technicolor



Jonathan Beardsworth is Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Europe, Technicolor and has been with the company since 2006. Beardsworth is responsible for every aspect of sales and marketing for Technicolor’s European businesses in replication and distribution across all sectors, including video, games, software, promotional and retail activities. Prior to his current role, Beardsworth spent the previous five years as Senior Vice President, European Commercial Operations for EMI.