People

ITV Studios has appointed Fabian Tobias as the new Managing Director of ITV Studios Germany, with the executive set to take over the role in spring 2027, succeeding Christiane Ruff, who will retire after 13 years at the helm. One of Germany’s leading production companies, ITV Studios Germany is behind some of the country’s most successful entertainment formats, including the long-running hit Ich bin ein Star - Holt mich hier raus! (I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, RTL), which has been a flagship series for more than two decades.
The company’s portfolio also includes major titles such as Love Island VIP (RTLZWEI), Das perfekte Dinner (Come Dine With Me, VOX), The Voice of Germany and The Voice Kids"(ProSieben / Sat.1), Sing meinen Song - Das Tauschkonzert (VOX), Werwölfe - Das Spiel von List und Täuschung (The Werewolves, ARD), Quizduell Olymp (Quiz Duel Champions, Das Erste), and Gefragt – Gejagt (The Chase, Das Erste).

Reporting to Lisa Perrin, Managing Director, International Production at ITV Studios in London, Tobias will oversee the company’s business strategy, including creative development, production operations, the creation of new intellectual property for global distribution, and the acquisition of third-party formats. He will also lead ITV Studios Germany’s senior management team and collaborate with executives across the wider group. Tobias joins ITV Studios Germany from EndemolShine Germany, a Banijay company, where he has served as Managing Director Germany since 2020, with responsibility for Switzerland and later becoming co-Managing Director of Poland in 2023.

Commenting on the appointment, Lisa Perrin said: “I am thrilled that Fabian has decided to join us at this pivotal moment for the industry. His dynamic leadership, brilliant client and talent relationships, and deep experience of the German market will be invaluable as we evolve the business. Whilst Christiane continues as Managing Director into 2027, I want to take this moment to thank her for what will be an incredible 13 years. Under her watch, our shows have thrived as some of the longest-running and most adored in Germany. I wish her all the best in her next chapter.”
Christiane Ruff added: “It has been a privilege to lead ITV Studios Germany for more than twelve years. I’m incredibly proud of everything we have built and achieved together, and none of it would have been possible without our exceptional teams and creative partners. I’m pleased that ITV Studios has found such an experienced leader as Fabian Tobias to take over the business. I wish Fabian every success in his new role and I’m confident that, together with the outstanding team at ITV Studios Germany, he will continue to build on everything we have achieved over the years, while also bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives.”

Tobias said: “ITV Studios is one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking production powerhouses. I am delighted to join this exceptional team and to write the next chapter together with Lisa Perrin and the outstanding people at ITV Studios Germany. After more than two decades in the German television industry, I look forward to bringing my experience, creative drive and never-ending passion for great entertainment to ITV and to further strengthen our position as a leading creative force in the German and international market.”