Pim Osterhaus Appointed Creative Director & Publisher at BIS
BIS has appointed Pim Osterhaus as Creative Director & Publisher. He started in the role on 1 November 2026 and will help shape the next phase of our editorial and commercial development.
In this new position, Pim will focus on new publishing and revenue models, the further expansion of custom publishing, and partnerships and acquisitions that can strengthen BIS. His appointment reflects our ambition to keep building on what BIS is known for, while also creating new ways to develop and share knowledge.
A next step for BIS
For many years, BIS has developed books and games that connect creativity and knowledge. With Pim joining in this role, we are taking the next step in that journey by investing in new publications, games and digital publishing formats.
In the period ahead, BIS will work on formats that bring together publications, learning programmes and knowledge sharing. This includes digital publishing formats as well as concepts such as masterclasses and executive courses. At the same time, Pim will further develop our custom publishing activities, through which BIS works with companies, organisations, and educational and research institutions to create publications based on their expertise, vision or social challenges.
“The publishing market is changing, opening up new ways to develop and share knowledge,” says Osterhaus. “New publishing formats and revenue models create opportunities for creativity and entrepreneurship. BIS has been developing books and games that bring creativity and knowledge together for many years. With our experience, our network and the authors we work with, we can bring new ideas to life in books and other products that inspire professionals and help them progress in their work.”
Pim brings more than fifteen years of experience in media and publishing. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a publisher and has led editorial, creative, marketing and commercial teams. That combination of creative and commercial experience will be important as BIS continues to develop new products and explore new growth opportunities.
From ideas to growth
According to Harm van Kessel, Managing Director of BIS, this appointment marks an important moment in the company’s development.
“BIS will continue to publish inspiring books and games in the years ahead. At the same time, we are actively looking for opportunities to collaborate and make acquisitions. We also want to develop new ways to share knowledge and make it accessible, for example through digital products, courses and other forms of learning.”
This direction reflects a broader view of publishing. Books remain a core part of what we do, but they are increasingly part of a wider ecosystem in which knowledge can also take shape through digital products, educational formats and collaborative projects.
Partnerships and acquisitions
Alongside developing new products and formats, BIS also plans to grow through partnerships and acquisitions. We are interested in connecting with publishers, media companies, educational institutions and other organisations that develop and share professional knowledge.
Our primary focus is on the Dutch market, though we are also open to suitable opportunities abroad. These growth plans are supported by Winston Ventures, the investment firm that has backed BIS and has been a co-owner of the company since 2022.
“Winston Ventures supports BIS with capital and experience in acquisitions and business development,” says investor Cor Jan Willig. “We welcome confidential conversations with owners who would like to explore whether their company or organisation could be a good fit for BIS.”
What this means
The appointment of Pim Osterhaus underlines where BIS is heading. We will continue to create inspiring books and games, while also investing in new publishing formats, custom projects and strategic partnerships that help us expand our reach and relevance.
For authors, organisations and partners, this creates new possibilities to turn expertise into products and formats that are accessible, practical and valuable for professional audiences. It also strengthens our ability to connect content, creativity and learning in ways that fit the changing needs of the market.
About BIS
BIS is an international media company, publisher and distributor based in Amsterdam. We develop and distribute books, games and creative products in the fields of design, creativity and innovation for professionals and consumers in the Netherlands and abroad. BIS also distributes titles and products from Laurence King Publishing.
