ProSiebenSat.1 CFO Moving to Discovery

SILVER SPRING: Gunnar Wiedenfels is exiting his role of chief financial offer at ProSiebenSat.1 Media to take up the CFO post at Discovery Communications.

The move is effective on or about April 1, 2017. He will succeed Andrew Warren, who previously announced his plans to depart Discovery. Warren has agreed to extend his contract term to ensure a smooth transition of CFO responsibilities.

“As Discovery continues our rapid growth and diversification in new content and digital platforms around the world, Gunnar is the ideal choice to lead our global finance strategy and organization,” said David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Discovery Communications, to whom Wiedenfels will report. “Gunnar’s international expertise aligns perfectly with our future growth profile, and he brings to Discovery an exceptional reputation in the capital markets, strong industry expertise and a strategic focus to help unlock the value of our investments. He will be a terrific addition to our management team and I look forward to working with him to continue to drive Discovery’s global business.”

At ProSiebenSat.1 Media, the search for a successor has already begun. Ralf Peter Gierig, the executive VP of group finance and investor relations, is being promoted to deputy CFO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media immediate effect.

Thomas Ebeling, CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media, said: “I sincerely regret the departure of Gunnar Wiedenfels but, at the same time, have great respect for his decision to accept a new task in the United States. Since joining us from McKinsey in 2009, I have worked very closely with Gunnar and I wish him and his family all the very best in New York. At the same time, I am delighted that Ralf Gierig will additionally assume the role of our Deputy CFO. Ralf is one of my most important and closest advisers and has been our voice in the capital markets for the past 20 years.”

Dr. Werner Brandt, chairman of the supervisory board, added: “Gunnar Wiedenfels had a brilliant career here at ProSiebenSat.1, which now leads him to a new role in the United States. We truly regret his departure, but it also proves what a talent powerhouse ProSiebenSat.1 has become. I wish Gunnar every success in the United States.”

Wiedenfels commented: “Leaving ProSiebenSat.1 will be very tough for me. First and foremost, my thanks go to Thomas Ebeling, who brought me into the company and gave me great opportunities here. Without him I would not be where I am today. He has turned ProSiebenSat.1 into a great business that is excellently positioned for the future and provides a unique work environment, not only in the financial sector. I would also like to thank our Chairman Werner Brandt for our high trust working relationship.”