ZDF Studios names Markus Schaefer as President and CEO

Markus Schaefer is set to serve as CEO of ZDF Studios GmbH. The change of leadership covers Fred Burcksen's replacement.

12 APR 2022

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ZDF Enterprise has named Markus Schaefer as its new President and CEO of ZDF Studios GmbH. The new executive will succeed Fred Burcksen, who is leaving the company at his own request after more than a quarter-century tenure. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to help develop and shape the ZDF Studios Group over a very long period and from the start it’s been a role that was as fascinating as it was challenging," Fred Burcksen, President and CEO of ZDF Studios GmbH, said. "Today I’m pleased to be leaving behind a successful organization and handing the baton on to a proven industry expert.”  

Set to work alongside Co-director Karoline Meichsner-Sertl, Schaefer will be instrumental in guiding ZDF Studios GmbH into its next step of development. “In Markus Schaefer, we have an experienced media manager taking over the management of the ZDF Studios Group," ZDF Director-General Norbert Himmler, said. "With his knowledge of the industry and strategic skills, he will drive forward the digital development of the group. I would like to thank Fred Burcksen for his great services to ZDF Studios and his extraordinary commitment to the company. He is handing over a very well-positioned group of companies to his successor.”

The executive, who holds a doctorate in physics, has accumulated ample knowledge in corporate development, portfolio management, and strategic growth. His extensive industry background includes various management positions at All3Media Deutschland GmbH in Munich from 2004 before being appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2010 and Chief Executive Officer in 2014. He is also Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Allianz Deutscher Produzenten – Film- und Fernsehen e. V. (Alliance of German Producers – Film and Television). “As an internationally active and established media powerhouse, ZDF Studios has an excellent reputation and a great deal of creative momentum,” Schaefer said.“In this context, continuity, collaboration, and sustainable innovation are of central importance. I’m very much looking forward, with the entire team, to opening another chapter in the almost 30-year history of ZDF Studios.”

 

In Markus Schaefer, we have an experienced media manager taking over the management of the ZDF Studios Group. With his knowledge of the industry and strategic skills, he will drive forward the digital development of the group. I would like to thank Fred Burcksen for his great services to ZDF Studios and his extraordinary commitment to the company. He is handing over a very well positioned group of companies to his successor.” Norbert Himmler Director-General, ZDF Enterprise