ZDF Studios president and CEO Markus Schäfer extends contract to 2030

Germany’s ZDF Studios has extended Dr Markus Schäfer’s contract, with the executive to remain president and CEO of the Mainz-based company until the end of the decade.

Dr Markus Schäfer

Schäfer has held the top job since summer 2022, when he joined ZDF Studios following stints at All3Media Deutschland and the German Producers Alliance.

Since his appointment, Schäfer and MD Karoline Meichsner-Sertl have reorganised the group, with a particular focus on strengthening synergies through more efficient workflows and the implementation of future-proof digital solutions.

ZDF director-general Dr Norbert Himmler, who also serves as chairman of the supervisory board for ZDF Studios, said: “Under the leadership of Markus Schäfer, ZDF Studios has been given a clear strategic direction in recent years.

“The group has established itself as a significant production and distribution partner with an international presence. The integration of production, distribution and digital business models has been continuously advanced. I am delighted that Markus Schäfer will continue to pursue this course over the next five years.”

Schäfer added: “Our goal is clear: to position the ZDF Studios Group even more strongly as a relevant content and distribution partner.

“Together with Karoline Meichsner-Sertl and our colleagues across the entire group, we have succeeded in expanding our capabilities in the creation and exploitation of outstanding programmes. At the heart of this is closer connectivity within the group, combined with a clear market and customer focus to unlock further growth potential.

“We have created the right structures for this – now it is a matter of using them consistently and driving them forward in a targeted manner.”