Norbert Himmler Elected as New ZDF Director-General

Norbert Himmler has been elected to succeed Thomas Bellut as the new director-general of ZDF, with his term set to commence in March 2022.

Himmler is currently program director at the German pubcaster. In an election today, of the 60 members of the Television Council that oversees ZDF at present, 57 voted for Himmler, with one “no” vote and two abstentions. A second candidate, Tina Hassel, withdrew before the final vote.

Marlehn Thieme, chairman of the Television Council, noted, “We know Norbert Himmler very well from the deliberations of the Television Council and particularly appreciate his strategic competence, especially in the digital development of ZDF.”

Bellut has served as director-general since 2012. Earlier this year he revealed he would not be be available for a third term.