German media company ProSiebenSat.1 has extended the contract of group CEO Bert Habets for another three years, securing his leadership until October 2028.
The Supervisory Board’s decision underlines its support for Habets’ strategic course and brings clarity to the company’s leadership at a time of ongoing tensions with major shareholder MFE-MediaForEurope.
Since taking over in 2022, Habets, 54, has led a major restructuring of the German media group, sharpening its focus on TV entertainment and digital platforms. Under his leadership, ProSiebenSat.1 has expanded its streaming service Joyn to 10 million monthly users and sold several non-core businesses, including Verivox, Urban Sports Club, and About You.
“The Supervisory Board is sending an important signal of stability,” said outgoing chairman Dr Andreas Wiele, adding that the decision is also supported by his designated successor Maria Kyriacou. “Bert Habets’ leadership qualities, strategic foresight, and deep media expertise make him the right person to continue guiding the company.”
The contract extension follows months of uncertainty fuelled by MFE’s growing influence. The Italian media group, controlled by the Berlusconi family, now holds around 30% of ProSiebenSat.1 and has been pushing for the company’s integration into a pan-European media group under MFE’s leadership. MFE argues that such integration is necessary to build a strong continental media alliance capable of competing with the increasing dominance of US tech and streaming giants.
“We have reached important milestones in transforming ProSiebenSat.1 into a digital entertainment company,” said Habets. “I look forward to continuing our work and strengthening our entertainment presence in the DACH region. I thank the Supervisory Board for its trust.”
While MFE’s push for greater integration remains unresolved, the reappointment of Habets provides planning certainty for the company and a reaffirmation of its commitment to an independent strategic path.
