Gerhard Zeiler

Gerhard Zeiler is an Austrian businessman who is the current president of Turner International (encompassing TBS Europe, TBS Asia Pacific, and TBS Latin America), part of Time Warner. Prior to this role, Gerhard Zeiler was the WarnerMedia Chief Revenue Officer, leading the WarnerMedia Affiliates and Advertising Sales Group. In this role, he is responsible for the WarnerMedia network affiliate sales and advertising sales businesses. In addition, he has strategic oversight for Turner’s International businesses, a portfolio of more than 185 TV channels in over 200 countries.

In his previous role, serving as President of Turner International since 2012, Zeiler worked with core brands such as CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific channels, including executive oversight for the entertainment and kids’ networks in all markets outside of North America. Zeiler has extensive experience leading the distribution and commercial operations of CNN’s international services, Turner’s international joint ventures, and all licensing activity outside of North America.

Prior to this, Zeiler was CEO of RTL Group, a position he assumed in March 2003. RTL is a division of Bertelsmann AG and Europe’s largest television production and broadcast company. Under his leadership, RTL expanded its international television footprint across Western Europe and into Croatia; brought the hit shows American Idol and America’s Got Talent to the U.S. market; and grew its holdings to 41 channels and 34 radio stations in 10 countries.

He started his business career as secretary general of Austria’s public broadcaster, ORF (1986-1990). He became CEO of Tele 5 (1991-1992) and RTL II (1992-1994), both in Germany, ORF (1994-1998) in Austria before joining RTL, Germany’s biggest TV channel, as CEO in 1998. Before this he served as spokesperson for two Austrian Chancellors (1983-1986).

Among his many professional honours, Zeiler is the first non-American to receive the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award from NATPE. In 2004, he was named Media Personality of the Year at MIPCOM in Cannes.