Industry

In a move to reinforce the strategic emphasis on the Entertainment segment within its Executive Board, the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE has announced the appointment of Markus Breitenecker (55), currently CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 PULS4, to the Group Executive Board effective April 1, 2024. Joining forces with CEO Bert Habets, Markus Breitenecker will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the management of the strategically vital Entertainment segment. His primary focus will be on streaming and digital platforms, along with overseeing country operations in Switzerland and Austria.

Andreas Wiele, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, commented, "Markus Breitenecker brings a wealth of experience in television and streaming to the table, having enjoyed remarkable success within the company for 25 years. He has been instrumental in building the broadcasting group in Austria and, most recently, steering Joyn Austria to become the market leader within a year. Teaming up with Bert Habets, they will further reinforce the implementation of our entertainment strategy with even greater consistency and agility."

Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Markus Breitenecker stated, "I am grateful to the Supervisory Board for their trust. Streaming, particularly Joyn, lies at the core of our entertainment business. I eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with Bert Habets and our outstanding team to expand Joyn further, positioning it as a leading player in the DACH region's streaming landscape."

Bert Habets, Group CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, added, "Markus Breitenecker is a dedicated and seasoned media executive with a genuine passion for entertainment. I look forward to partnering with him in driving forward and evolving our business."

Markus Breitenecker, an Austrian media stalwart, has served as CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Group in Austria since 1998. During his tenure, he transformed ProSiebenSat.1 PULS4 into the largest private television group and Joyn into the country's premier streaming service. He spearheaded the creation of a channel family alongside ProSieben Austria, including PULS 4, ATV, ATV2, and the dedicated news channel PULS 24. Additionally, Breitenecker founded the streaming platform Zappn in Austria in 2017, integrating it into Joyn last year. Under his leadership, the renowned 4GameChangers festival emerged as a hallmark event in Austria, focusing on innovation, media, and future-centric themes.

Farewell to Christine Scheffler

After over five years with the company, Christine Scheffler has decided, in agreement with the Supervisory Board, to conclude her tenure as of March 31, 2024, due to divergent views on the company's future direction. Joining as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in January 2019, she undertook the strategic realignment of the HR department. In March 2020, she joined the Group Executive Board, overseeing Sustainability, Shared Services, Real Estate & Procurement alongside Human Resources. Scheffler orchestrated a fundamental restructuring of HR operations within the Group, aligning them closely with the corporate strategy. She championed the significance of sustainability and positioned it accordingly. Scheffler's leadership contributed significantly to the transformation of the company, and she adeptly managed the interests of various internal stakeholders during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andreas Wiele remarked, "With Christine Scheffler's departure, we bid farewell to a highly experienced change agent and a respected colleague on the Executive Board. We extend our gratitude to Christine for her exemplary HR leadership, innovative mindset, and dedication to our global workforce of approximately 7,000 employees. On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, we wish her continued success in her future endeavors."

Christine Scheffler expressed, "ProSiebenSat.1 embodies dynamism and adaptability. Together with an exceptional team, we have successfully executed pivotal projects over the years, contributing significantly to the modernization and realignment of this esteemed Group. Last year, we laid the groundwork for ProSiebenSat.1's next phase of development through an extensive transformation and restructuring program. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues for our years of intensive and enriching collaboration."

Bert Habets lamented Scheffler's departure, saying, "I regret Christine Scheffler's decision, yet I am thankful for our constructive and collaborative partnership over the past two years. It has been a transformative journey, and I appreciate her support and contributions to the Group's evolution. On behalf of the Executive Board, I wish her the very best for her future endeavors."

The Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE will henceforth comprise Bert Habets (CEO), Martin Mildner (CFO), and Markus Breitenecker (COO). The Leadership Team of Seven.One Entertainment Group (Entertainment segment) will consist of Bert Habets (CEO), Markus Breitenecker (COO), Henrik Pabst (CCO), and Dr. Stefan Endriß (CFO).