Tim Gerhartz will expand the management team of ZDF Studios Group as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) with effect from 1 October 2025.
ZDF Studios Group comprises the business units production, distribution and solutions & services.
In his new role, Gerhartz will lead and further develop the distribution business unit, particularly focusing on the management of the co-production and licence trading business of ZDF Studios, the commercial subsidiary of German public broadcaster ZDF.
Under his leadership, ZDF Studios intends to further strengthen its position as a leading European co-production partner and programme provider. He will also intensify the collaboration between the distribution and production business units as part of the ZDF Studios Group’s strategy.
Gerhartz began his career in the media industry in 2010 at ZDF Enterprises (now ZDF Studios). He then held various positions at Seven.One Studios International. Most recently, as Managing Director from April 2021, he was responsible for programme development, buying, sales and marketing across all genres via the Munich and London offices.
“I know Tim to be an extremely high-profile and professional industry colleague who is also very likeable and communicative. I am therefore delighted that we have been able to recruit Tim to lead our distribution business unit. This is all the more significant given that he is returning to his professional roots at ZDF Studios in his new position,” said Dr Markus Schäfer, President and CEO of ZDF Studios.
Gerhartz added: “I am delighted to be returning to the place where I started my career – this time with new perspectives in my luggage. ZDF Studios is a company that is both excellently positioned on the market and powerful. Being responsible for the development and international establishment of strong German and European programmes from here – and at the same time working on sustainable business models – is both an exciting and honourable task for me.”
