Tim Gerhartz will join the management team of ZDF Studios as Chief Commercial Officer starting 1 October 2025. In his new role, he will lead and develop the Distribution unit, focusing on co-productions and licensing, while strengthening ties between Distribution and Production.
Gerhartz, who began his career at ZDF Enterprises (now ZDF Studios) in 2010, returns after holding key roles at Seven.One Studios International, where he was Managing Director since 2021. He was instrumental in the global success of titles like Married at First Sight, Vienna Blood, and Departure.
Dr Markus Schäfer, President and CEO of ZDF Studios, says: “For the ZDF Studios Group, creating attractive programme offerings for our customers and partners according to our maxim "Inspire – Create – Produce – Distribute" is our top priority, and we dedicate ourselves to it with great enthusiasm and passion every day. As a co-production partner and international programme supplier, the Distribution business unit plays a key role in this. 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 GmbH in his new position.”
Tim Gerhartz: ”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. I would also like to thank Henrik Pabst, Chief Content Officer of ProSiebenSat.1 and CEO of Seven.One Studios Group, and Martin Metzger, Chief Operating Officer of Seven.One Studios Group, who have always encouraged and supported me during my time at Seven.One International."
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