Observed Signal · Aug 27, 2026 · Hiring · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Publisher & Media Owner Market: ARD names leadership trio for new office from 2027
ARD member broadcasters have confirmed leadership for a permanent ARD-Geschäftsstelle in Berlin that replaces the Generalsekretariat and begins work on January 1, 2027. The restructured office centralizes administrative functions, the ARD strategy process and corporate communications to provide continuity as the ARD chair rotates and to reduce repeated team rebuilds; it was established under the new ARD state treaty. Christoph Rosenthal (38), who has worked in the Generalsekretariat since 2018, will serve as overall head; Christoph Hammerschmidt (59), currently communications head for the Hessischer Rundfunk chair and formerly at n-tv, will lead communications; and Kerstin Skiba (55), RBB's legal counsel since 2023, will lead the media policy department, the contact point for federal media and regulatory bodies, civil-society organisations and the new media council. Susanne Pfab will leave her role as ARD Generalsecretary after nearly 12 years.
Organizational restructuring at a major public broadcaster centralizes communications and media-policy contact points, affecting publisher-side coordination and potential industry engagement but not directly altering adtech infrastructure or market-wide operations.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ARD-Geschäftsstelle will start in Berlin on 2027-01-01, replacing the former Generalsekretariat as part of restructuring under the new ARD state treaty.
- The office centralizes administrative functions, the ARD strategy process and corporate communications to provide continuity during rotating ARD chairs and reduce repeated rebuilds.
- Christoph Rosenthal (38) appointed overall head; he has worked in the Generalsekretariat since 2018.
- Christoph Hammerschmidt (59) will head communications; he currently leads communications for the Hessischer Rundfunk chair and previously worked at n-tv.
- Kerstin Skiba (55) will lead the media policy department as ARD's contact for federal media/regulatory bodies, civil-society organisations and the new media council; Susanne Pfab will leave the Generalsekretariat after nearly 12 years.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedDWDL.de
German media trade publisher for TV, streaming and industry jobs.
“The article was published on the DWDL.de website and the page footer shows © DWDL.de GmbH 2001-2026....”
ARD
Germany’s public broadcaster for TV, radio and streaming.
“The article reports that the ARD member-intendants have confirmed the new leadership team and that a new ARD-Geschäftsstelle will replace th...”
hr
Regional German public broadcaster across radio, TV and digital.
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