Meet the VP, business strategy and partnerships

Orfiums Mark Vermaat, VP business strategy and partnerships, tells TVBEurope why remaining curious and challenging the status quo is vital in a career in the media industry

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Published: October 24, 2024 Updated: October 25, 2024

Orfium's Mark Vermaat, VP business strategy and partnerships, tells TVBEurope why remaining curious and challenging the status quo is vital in a career in the media industry

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Talk us through an average day in your role A significant part of my role involves engaging with clients, prospective clients, and partners on a daily basis. Our industry thrives on relationships, and these regular interactions allow me to stay closely aligned with market trends, ensure that our services continue to deliver maximum value, and identify new strategic opportunities.

Mark Vermaat, VP business strategy & partnerships, Orfium In addition to fostering these connections, my focus is on expanding into new client verticals and developing business areas that will drive the future growth of our company. I also work closely with our business development team to support and accelerate the growth of our existing operations.

How did you get started in the media industry? I often say I'm a recovering lawyer. Right after law school, I joined a TV production company that was experiencing rapid growth. With limited resources and an all hands on deck approach, we were constantly working to keep up with the pace. This experience was invaluable in teaching me how to think both laterally and entrepreneurially.

Music has always been my first love, so when the opportunity came to launch a music publishing arm for the TV production company, I jumped at it. It was the perfect chance to combine my legal background with my love for music, entertainment, and media.

What training did you have before entering the industry? I went to law school, specialising in copyright and media law. Having a solid grasp of the legal concepts behind rights has been invaluable, as both the media and music industries fundamentally revolve around the management and exploitation of rights.

Alongside my legal studies, I explored music composition and production, which gave me firsthand insight into the creative side of the business. My experience working in TV production further broadened my understanding of how these industries operate.

Throughout my career, I've worked at the intersection of music, media, and technology-exactly where Orfium operates. It's an exciting place to be as these worlds continue to converge.

Why do you enjoy working in the industry? Music has the unique ability to shape and define the most significant moments in our lives-whether good or bad. It can instantly bring back memories or transport you to another time and place, creating your life soundtrack. How can you not enjoy working in that industry?

What makes it even more exciting is the constant evolution. The music and media industries are incredibly dynamic, with new trends and technologies reshaping the landscape almost daily. Yet, there are parts of the business that can feel surprisingly slow or outdated. This mix of rapid change and gradual progression creates opportunities for both innovation and disruption, making it an endlessly fascinating environment. I often compare it to working on a puzzle where the pieces-and even the picture-are constantly changing. What you believe to be true today might be completely different tomorrow, and that unpredictability keeps things fresh and exciting.

What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours? Make sure you understand the entire process-whether it's music, media, or the technology driving it all. Knowing how the sausage' is made gives you a much broader perspective and helps you see the bigger picture. At the same time, be mindful that your experience can work against you. In a fast-moving industry like ours, it's vital to stay curious and challenge the status quo. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, so always be open to learning and adapting.

Lastly, this business is built on relationships. The industry is surprisingly small, and you'll often meet the same people in different roles over time. Building trust and maintaining a strong reputation are crucial.

LINK:	https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/people/meet-the-vp-business-strateg...
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