Management Team & European Board
Folkert Koopmans
(he/him)
Folkert is the CEO and founder of FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen GmbH. Before founding FKP Scorpio in 1990, he worked as a freelance promoter and talent buyer for renowned clubs such as “Große Freiheit 36” and “Docks.” Under his leadership, FKP Scorpio became the pan-European powerhouse it is today. Apart from the internationalisation of the company, he also took great care in fostering new business areas such as family entertainment or exhibitions. Whether in music or entertainment, Folkert continues to explore new forms of creative and innovative experiences.
Stephan Thanscheidt
(he/him)
Stephan has been the CEO of FKP Scorpio for well over a decade and has played a key role in shaping the lineups for some of Europe’s most renowned festivals since 2009. Together with Folkert, he developed the company into one of Europe’s largest event organizers. His greatest motivation lies in fostering spaces of connection and freedom, where concerts and festivals serve as bridges across the growing divides in society. On the political front, Stephan advocates for the live events industry as a board member of the German Promoter’s Association (BDKV), ensuring that one of Germany’s often-underestimated economic sectors has a voice in federal policymaking.
Freddie de Wall
(he/him)
Freddie de Wall is a former music- and artist manager with many years of experience in international management positions within the music industry since the early 1980s. Freddie is responsible for developing structures and expanding the group’s international strategy and planning. In addition to overseeing the operations and management of the international FKP Scorpio offices, his role includes the responsibilities of Digital, IT, Sustainability and Legal.
Jörg Jeschke
(he/him)
Tax accountant and auditor by trade, Jörg has been overseeing the FKP group’s growth and international development since 2003. He became CFO in 2012, ensuring compliance and driving the development of the steadily increasing business areas within the CTS Eventim group. Jörg is also a regular at Hurricane Festival, having an intimate knowledge of the company’s business areas both on paper and on-site.
Rauha Kyyrö
(she/they)
Rauha Kyyrö is in charge of developing the group’s artist booking and promoter activities across Europe.
She is also the founder of Fullsteam, one of the most remarkable music companies in Finland. Since entering the business in the early 2000s, she has worked with over 2,000 artists and promoted some of the most successful shows and festivals in her home market.
Rense van Kessel
(he/him)
Rense manages the development of artist booking and promoter activities across Europe. With a career spanning over two decades, Rense is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Friendly Fire – a leading music company in the Netherlands known for producing world-class concerts and festivals, including the renowned Best Kept Secret Festival. FKP Scorpio operates throughout the UK and Europe, promoting more than 25 festivals along with thousands of shows each year.
James Cassidy
(he/him)
With over thirty years industry experience, James is a former head of A&R from the label and publishing business. He and UK special projects director Barry Campbell (former manager and agent) set up FKP UK, subsequently FKPE, in 2018 and are now one of the leading promoters in the international exhibition, family entertainment and experiential space. James oversees the development of the FKP exhibition portfolio in UK and Europe.
Robert Swarts
(he/him)
Robert oversees the execution of all FKP Scorpio's festival productions throughout Europe, including, Syd For Solen, Southside, Hurricane, Provinssi, and Best Kept Secret, among others. Active in the live entertainment industry since 2005, Robert began his career as an artist manager and has since become a specialist in organizing and producing large-scale outdoor events. He is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Friendly Fire, a leading Amsterdam-based concert promoter and event organizer.