Gerhard Zeiler joins Turner Broadcasting System International as prez

MUMBAI: International television executive Gerhard Zeiler will join Turner Broadcasting System International, the company?s global portfolio of branded television networks and related businesses, as president.

Prior to this, Zeiler served as the CEO of RTL Group, a division of Bertelsmann AG and Europe?s largest television production and broadcast company.

In his new role, Zeiler will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks and media services offered outside of North America; the distribution and commercial operations of CNN?s international services; all of Turner Broadcasting?s international joint ventures; and all licensing and merchandising activity.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. chairman and CEO Phil Kent said, ?We are delighted that Gerhard is joining us and look forward to the leadership, perspective and wealth of international television experience he will bring to one of the most successful and most strategically important areas of our company. 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 are a strong addition to our executive committee and the company overall. We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands, target and develop new markets and build scale around the world.?

Zeiler, who will report to Kent, will lead a 3,800-person division across Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Zeiler said, ?As a longtime observer of Turner?s networks, I am keenly aware of their strength with consumers and the company?s profile in the international business community. This move is an opportunity to help grow some of the most valuable media brands in the world and develop new businesses alongside people I admire, like Phil and colleagues across Time Warner I have known and worked with over the years. This is an exciting time for our industry and for Turner Broadcasting, and I believe in our ability to lead and succeed.?

As RTL CEO, Zeiler was a member of the executive board of Bertelsmann AG. Under his leadership, RTL expanded its international television footprint across Western Europe and into Croatia; brought the hit shows American Idol and America?s Got Talent to the U.S. market; and grew its holdings to 41 channels and 34 radio stations in 10 countries.

He started his career as a journalist and later spokesman for two Austrian Chancellors. After serving as secretary general of Austria?s public broadcaster, ORF, he became CEO of Tele 5. He returned to his native Austria to lead the ORF as Director General. In 1998 Zeiler was named CEO of RTL.

Among his many professional honours, Zeiler is the first non-American to receive the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award from NATPE. In 2004, he was named Media Personality of the Year at Mipcom in Cannes.