European media giant Bertelsmann has named its next leader. Thomas Coesfeld will succeed Thomas Rabe as chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann in early 2027. This marks a major transition for Germany’s largest media group.
Rabe’s long tenure will conclude after 15 years. He will also hand over leadership of RTL Group, Bertelsmann’s TV arm, next year. The company is promoting from within, ensuring continuity for its global operations.
New Leaders from Within the Bertelsmann Orbit
Thomas Coesfeld’s promotion is a strategic internal move. He joined Bertelsmann’s printing division in 2018 before moving to music publisher BMG. He has served as CEO of BMG since July 2023 and will continue in that role, holding a dual position.
According to Reuters, the supervisory board approved this succession plan. Rabe expressed confidence in Coesfeld. He stated the leadership would be in “excellent hands” for the future.
RTL Group will see its own change in command sooner. Clément Schwebig will become its CEO in May of next year. Schwebig is a familiar face, having spent over a decade in senior roles at RTL before a stint at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Strategic Shift and Future Growth Under New Management
Thomas Rabe’s leadership transformed Bertelsmann. He shifted the legacy group toward high-value content production. Major investments were made in production powerhouse Fremantle and streaming service RTL+.
Fremantle produces global hits like Idol and the Oscar-winning Poor Things. The RTL+ streaming platform recently surpassed 7 million paying subscribers. This content-focused strategy is now deeply embedded in the company’s DNA.
The incoming leaders are expected to build on this foundation. Schwebig’s international experience, particularly in Asian growth markets, aligns with Bertelsmann’s expansion goals. The transition aims for stability while positioning the conglomerate for its next chapter.
This carefully planned succession ensures Bertelsmann’s strategic vision continues. The media giant is securing its future leadership to navigate a rapidly evolving industry. The CEO succession marks the end of a significant era and the start of a new one.
Info at your fingertips
Q1: Who is taking over as Bertelsmann CEO?
Thomas Coesfeld will become the new Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann. His appointment is effective January 1, 2027. He currently serves as the CEO of Bertelsmann’s music division, BMG.
Q2: When is Thomas Rabe stepping down?
Thomas Rabe’s contract as Bertelsmann CEO expires on December 31, 2026. He will step down after a 15-year tenure. He will also leave his role as CEO of RTL Group in May 2025.
Q3: Who will lead the RTL Group?
Clément Schwebig will become the new CEO of RTL Group. He takes over from Thomas Rabe in May 2025. Schwebig is a former RTL executive who most recently worked at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Q4: What was Thomas Rabe’s legacy at Bertelsmann?
Rabe shifted Bertelsmann towards content production and streaming. He oversaw major growth at production subsidiary Fremantle and streaming platform RTL+. This strategy moved the group beyond its traditional publishing roots.
Q5: Is this leadership change a surprise?
No, this is a planned, long-term succession. The appointments were made by the company’s supervisory board. Promoting from within suggests a desire for strategic continuity.
Q6: What are Bertelsmann’s key businesses?
Bertelsmann’s portfolio includes RTL Group (TV and streaming), Penguin Random House (books), BMG (music), and Arvato (services). Fremantle, its production arm, creates major global television formats and films.
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