Gerhard Zeiler

Gerhard Zeiler is President, WarnerMedia International. In this role, he has strategic oversight for the WarnerMedia brands in the international markets as well as responsibility for the country- and region-specific networks and businesses in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, a portfolio of nearly 300 TV channels in over 200 countries. WarnerMedia’s consumer brands include HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others.

Previously, Zeiler was WarnerMedia Chief Revenue Officer, responsible for the company’s global advertising and distribution business. Serving as President of Turner International, Zeiler worked with core global brands as well as local and regional channels, including executive oversight for the entertainment and kids’ networks in all markets outside of North America since 2012.

Before joining Turner, Zeiler was CEO of RTL Group, a position he assumed in March 2003. RTL is a division of Bertelsmann and Europe’s largest television production and broadcast company. Under his leadership, RTL expanded its international footprint; brought the hit shows American Idol and America’s Got Talent to the U.S. market; and grew its holdings to 41 channels and 34 radio stations in 10 countries.

He started his business career as secretary general of Austria’s public broadcaster, ORF (1986-1990). He became CEO of Tele 5 (1991-1992) and RTL II (1992-1994), both in Germany, ORF (1994-1998) in Austria before joining RTL, Germany’s biggest TV channel, as CEO in 1998. Before this he served as spokesperson for two Austrian Chancellors (1983-1986).

Among his many professional honours, Zeiler is the first non-American to receive the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award from NATPE. In 2004, he was named Media Personality of the Year at MIPCOM in Cannes.