Distribution expert to supercharge focus on co-productions and licensing at ZDF’s sales arm
ZDF Studios Group has appointed Seven.One Studios International managing director Tim Gerhartz as its chief operating officer.
Gerhartz joins on 1 October and will lead ZDF Studios’ distribution business unit, with a focus on co-productions and programme sales.
The German giant said Gerhartz would also build further links between the sales and production side of the business, as part of ZDF Studios’ broader strategy.
ZDF Studios Group comprises production, distribution and a solutions & services division. The company is behind dramas including The Swarm, Crystal Wall and Black Fruit, while factual shows include Mighty Monkeys, 24 Hours in the Arctic and Restless Planet.
Gerhartz began his career in 2010 at ZDF Enterprises (now ZDF Studios) before holding various positions at Seven.One Studios International, where he has been managing director since April 2021.
His remit included oversight of programme development, acquisitions, sales and marketing across all genres via the Munich and London offices.
The group’s slate includes formats such as Married at First Sight, Stranded on Honeymoon Island and The Hunt, while German-Austrian co-production Vienna Blood and Canadian thriller series Departure featured on the scripted side.
Markus Schäfer, president and chief exec at ZDF Studios, said: “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 him to lead our distribution business unit. This is all the more significant given that he is returning to his professional roots at ZDF Studios in his new position.”
Gerhartz added: “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 chief exec at 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.”
The hire comes as ZDFS’s German broadcaster sibling, ZDF, expands its international partnerships, including extending a scripted agreement with BBC Studios that has delivered hits including A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Chelsea Detective.
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