Gerhard Zeiler exits RTL to run Turner Broadcasting Intl.

Euro TV titan Gerhard Zeiler has been tapped prexy of Turner Broadcasting Intl., seguing from his post as head of RTL Group after nearly nine years in the job. Zeiler, who joined Bertelsmann's RTL in 1998, will leave the pan-European media giant in April. At Turner, he'll be based in London and report to TBS chairman and CEO Phil Kent. "His programming success; entrepreneurial experience within a big company; ability to run multiple lines of business; deep understanding of the digital landscape and opportunity; relationships across the media landscape; and passion for the television business combine in a great international partner for me, an exciting leader for the division and a strong addition to our executive committee and the company overall," Kent said in announcing the hire. Zeiler will be tasked with developing new businesses for TBS and strengthening its established channel operations. At present, TBS operates more than 130 channels in more than 30 languages in 200 countries. Zeiler succeeds Louise Sams, who had been prexy of TBS Intl. as well as general counsel to all of TBS. Kent last fall decided to bring in a dedicated exec for TBS Intl., while Sams continues as general counsel. At RTL, Zeiler will be succeeded by Guillaume de Posch and Anke Schaferkordt who will become co-CEOs. RTL said Zeiler, a popular figure in the European TV community, was quitting at his own request and would exit following the company's annual general meeting April 18. In a statement Thomas Rabe, CEO of Bertelsmann, said: "I regret Gerhard's decision to leave the company, but would like to personally congratulate him on the impressive success story of the past decade. Under his leadership, the group's revenues, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and return on sales showed an exemplary development, and the company is strategically and powerfully positioned for continued growth." Said Zeiler: "I'm deeply grateful for my wonderful years at RTL Group, with a great team of passionate managers and an ever-supportive board of directors and shareholders. The decision to leave was not an easy one, but on the other hand I look forward to a new, international task. I wish RTL Group a successful next step in its unbelievable development." RTL COO De Posch will take over responsibility for the firm's broadcasting operations outside Germany and the company's production business. Schaferkordt will continue to manage the German TV business in addition to her new role. RTL owns in the region of 45 television and 31 radio stations in 11 countries. It also produces approximately 9,500 hours of programming a year. Zeiler, an Austrian who has been RTL's chief executive since 2003, began his career as a journalist, becoming a spokesman for the Austrian government before switching to broadcasting. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com