New head: Gerhard Zeiler

Gerhard Zeiler, chief executive of RTL Germany, has been appointed chief executive of the European media group RTL Group.

Gerhard Zeiler started his television career at ORF where he was Secretary General from November 1986 to December 1990. He later became Director General from October 1994 to September 1998.

Austrian-born Gerhard Zeiler, 48, will assume his new responsibilities immediately. He will also continue in his current role at RTL Germany (RTL Television) which he has held since November 1998.

He replaces Didier Bellens who now runs the Belgian telecommunications operator Belgacom.