RTL Deutschland consolidates consumer business under Michael Radelsberger

German broadcaster RTL Deutschland has restructured its consumer division following its combination with Sky Deutschland, bringing its streaming, premium television and linear channel distribution activities under a single leadership team headed by Chief Consumer Officer Michael Radelsberger.

The new consumer organisation combines the businesses around RTL+, WOW, Sky and the distribution of RTL Deutschland’s linear television channels across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. According to the company, the combined operation will reach more than 100 million people across the DACH region with entertainment offerings spanning free-to-air television, streaming and premium TV services.

As Chief Consumer Officer and a member of RTL Deutschland’s management board, Radelsberger will oversee the company’s consumer and subscription business. His responsibilities include the strategic development of streaming, premium TV and distribution activities across RTL+, WOW, Sky and RTL Deutschland’s linear channel portfolio.

Reporting directly to Radelsberger are Henning Nieslony as Executive Vice President Streaming, responsible for the combined streaming operations of RTL+ and WOW; Kris Peffers as Executive Vice President Premium TV, overseeing Sky’s product portfolio including Sky Stream; Andre Prahl as Executive Vice President Distribution, responsible for the distribution of the combined content portfolio across platforms; Jill Harkness as Senior Vice President Consumer Strategy & Growth, supporting cross-platform growth in the DACH region; and Daniel Durst as Senior Vice President Brand & Media, leading marketing activities and brand strategy.

“With the combination of RTL Deutschland and Sky, we are creating an entertainment offering that is unique in Europe. We are bringing together free-to-air TV, streaming and premium TV under a strong consumer strategy with local content, live sport, journalistic expertise and international entertainment. Together, we want to inspire more than 100 million people across the German-speaking market with the best entertainment offering, anytime, anywhere and across all platforms, led by Michael Radelsberger and his highly experienced leadership team,” said Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland.

Radelsberger added: “With the best teams and the greatest expertise in the industry, we are creating a consumer organisation that is unique in the German-speaking market. I am delighted that Jill Harkness, Henning Nieslony, Kris Peffers, Andre Prahl and Daniel Durst are part of this strong leadership team. Together with their teams, they bring extensive experience, innovation and passion to set new standards in the entertainment market. Our goal is to create the best television and streaming experiences for our customers.”