Appointment comes ahead of Christiane Ruff’s retirement next spring
ITV Studios has appointed a long-standing Banijay Entertainment exec to lead its operations in Germany.
Fabian Tobias will become MD at ITVS Germany from spring next year, replacing Christiane Ruff who is set to retire after 13 years in the role.
Tobias will report into Lisa Perrin, MD of international production at ITVS, and will be responsible for creative strategy, production, development and format acquisition.
He joins from Banijay-owned EndemolShine Germany, where he has been managing director since 2020 having worked for the group since 2014. More recently, he also oversaw operations in Switzerland and added the title of co-MD of Poland to his remit in 2023.
Tobias worked on local adapations of formats ranging from The Masked Singer and Beauty and the Geek for ProSiebenSat.1 to The 50 for Prime Video Germany and Lego Masters for RTL.
He also has credits on original IP including RTL’s Three are the Champions, as well as ProSiebenSat.1 duo Fridge and Staying Alive.
His remit at ITVS Germany will cover a raft of shows including Ich Bin Ein Star - Holt Mich Hier Raus! (aka I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here) and Love Island VIP for RTL, The Voice of Germany and The Voice Kids for ProSiebenSat.1 and Gefragt – Gejagt (aka The Chase) for Das Erste.
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.”
Tobias added: “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.”
Ruff said: “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.”
ITV Studios is set to become a standalone company next year following the acquisition of the ITV broadcast business by Comcast-owned Sky.
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