European VOD Coalition appoints new executive director
July 3, 2026 10.42 Europe/London By Julian Clover


T

he European VOD Coalition has appointed Manuel Marsilio as its new executive director as the streaming industry prepares for a series of major regulatory battles in Brussels.

Based in Brussels, Marsilio takes up the role with more than a decade of experience in public affairs and association management, having worked extensively with EU institutions and the United Nations.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Europe’s video-on-demand sector, with the European Commission preparing to review the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), the cornerstone of EU broadcasting and streaming regulation.

In addition, the Coalition will be engaging policymakers on the proposed Digital Fairness Act, where it is seeking proportionate rules for curated video-on-demand services, and the Digital Networks Act, where it continues to oppose proposals that could see content providers contribute directly to network infrastructure costs.

Andreas Wildfang, chair of the European VOD Coalition, said Marsilio would lead the organisation at a critical moment for the industry.

“His experience in public affairs and his proven leadership in guiding associations with strategic vision make him the right person to lead the Coalition at a decisive moment for the European audiovisual sector. We look forward to working with him to champion European content, promote safe and sustainable services, and advocate for a regulatory framework that allows the VOD sector to keep growing in Europe over the long term.”

Marsilio said streaming services had become one of Europe’s largest investors in local creative industries.

“The present and future of culture in Europe matter deeply: the stories that are told, the voices that find a space to be heard and the way people across the continent access and enjoy them. The video-on-demand and digital entertainment sector is today one of the most important engines of investment in European creativity.

“It is a pivotal industry, and I am eager to take on this role. I look forward to working with our members and with policymakers to build the right conditions for investment, innovation and growth across the EU.”

The Coalition represents leading subscription streaming platforms operating across Europe and has become an increasingly influential voice in policy debates over investment obligations, platform regulation and digital infrastructure. Marsilio’s appointment follows growing pressure on the sector, with companies including Netflix recently calling for changes to national content investment rules, particularly in markets such as France, where streamers argue they are carrying an increasing share of local production funding.