ZDFE CEO to depart after 25 years

The president and CEO of German distributor ZDF Enterprises (ZDFE) has resigned and will leave the company at the end of the year.

Alexander Coridass

Alexander Coridass helped found ZDFE back in 1992 and has been president and CEO of the company for 20 years.

His position as spokesman of the management board will be assumed by Fred Burcksen, who will manage the firm together with co-MD Stephan Adrian.

Coridass said: “Twenty-five years of playing an active part in the development of ZDF Enterprises and of being able to contribute in leading the company group to where it stands today was not only a real challenge but also a special privilege. I look back on this period with great gratitude, especially to my employees and business partners.”

Coridass, a solicitor, first joined pubcaster ZDF in 1985 and was initially responsible for labour and corporate law, international law, copyright and international cable distribution.

He headed the programme sales department until ZDFE, the commercial arm of the pubcaster, was founded.

Thomas Bellut, director general of ZDF, said: “Alexander Coridass combines the enthusiasm for television and its programmes with a strong degree of entrepreneurial flexibility and determination. As president and CEO, he has made ZDFE a successful and internationally renowned company.