MFE-MediaForEurope has strengthened its control over ProSiebenSat.1, appointing its own Chief Financial Officer, Marco Giordani, as the new CEO of the German media group with immediate effect.
The leadership change marks a significant step in MFE’s efforts to align ProSiebenSat.1 more closely with its pan-European media and streaming strategy following the acquisition of the majority stake.
Giordani succeeds Bert Habets, who is stepping down, but will remain as senior advisor until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Habets led the group through a turbulent transformation phase, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and positioning Joyn as the core of ProSiebenSat.1’s advertising-financed streaming strategy.
Alongside Giordani’s appointment, Bob Rajan joins the company as interim Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Martin Mildner, who is leaving the company. Rajan, Managing Director at the consultancy Alvarez & Marsal, will focus on driving forward restructuring measures and boosting profitability. Mildner had played a key role in strengthening the group’s financial position, implementing efficiency measures and completing key divestments, including the sale of Verivox and the exit of General Atlantic, which restored full control over the Commerce & Ventures business.
At the same time, Markus Breitenecker, Chief Operating Officer and one of ProSiebenSat.1’s longest-serving executives, is stepping down from the Executive Board after nearly 30 years with the company. His position will not be replaced at board level. Breitenecker is widely credited with building ProSiebenSat.1’s Austrian business, launching Puls 4 and Puls 24, and driving the establishment of Joyn as Austria’s leading “superstreamer.”
Maria Kyriacou, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, said the appointments mark “a clear ambition to accelerate the strategic transformation of ProSiebenSat.1 with a focus on excellence and a leading position in entertainment.” She highlighted Giordani’s “deep operational expertise, strong financial acumen and proven track record in leading complex organisations.”
Kyriacou also thanked Habets for his “leadership and strong commitment during a decisive transformative period,” crediting him with realigning the company towards entertainment and successfully expanding Joyn’s position in the German-speaking market.
Giordani played a key role in the MFE’s expansion and consolidation of its European television assets, as well as in strengthening its financial structure. His appointment at ProSiebenSat.1 is seen as the latest signal of the company’s tightening operational integration across its European holdings, which also include Mediaset in Italy and Spain.
