Bo Stehmeier Appointed Co-CEO of Off the Fence

Bo Stehmeier is set to take on the role of CEO of Off the Fence, working in a joint capacity alongside founder Ellen Windemuth, as of January 1, 2021.

Stehmeier previously worked in purchasing and sales at TVF International, Zodiak Media and Optomen, before moving to Off the Fence in 2007, where he held various positions and was most recently responsible for global sales. Stehmeier was appointed to head of worldwide sales at Red Arrow Studios International in 2016, and he has been its president since January 2019.

When ZDF Enterprises acquired Off the Fence in early 2019, Ralf Rückauer, VP of ZDFE.unscripted, was named as its co-CEO on an interim basis. He now resumes his full focus on ZDFE.unscripted.

Fred Burcksen, president and CEO of ZDF Enterprises and chairman of the supervisory board of Off the Fence, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to secure the services of Bo Stehmeier for this position. He is not only an internationally recognized and well-networked marketing and sales expert but also someone who, from many years of previous experience with Off the Fence, knows the company and its range of programs very well. Together with Ellen Windemuth and the committed, international sales and production team, he will guide Off the Fence safely into the future. We are also pleased that the temporary co-CEO Ralf Rueckauer will now again be able to focus completely on his core work as VP ZDFE.unscripted at ZDF Enterprises, and we thank him very much for his excellent work at Off the Fence.”

Stehmeier said: “The OTF team has readied the company for exponential growth, perfectly timed for the imminent renaissance of non-scripted. I am  truly excited to reconnect with my factual entertainment roots and to co-pilot this studio during such exciting times .”

Windemuth added: “Bo and OTF share the same passion for high-quality nonfiction. His vast experience will allow us to grow the company while supporting its values and spirit. I very much look forward to working with him again.”

James Baker, president and co-CEO of Red Arrow Studios, said: “Bo has made a tremendous contribution to Red Arrow’s TV distribution business over the last five years. We look forward to continuing to work with him throughout 2020 until he leaves us at the end of the year, and wish him all the best for the future.”