Observed Signal · Jul 6, 2026 · Hiring · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Hiring Market: Eva Messerschmidt Leads RTL Communications; Lisa Steiner Deputy
Following RTL Deutschland’s takeover of Sky Deutschland, Eva Messerschmidt will remain head of RTL Deutschland’s communications as Executive Vice President. Lisa Steiner, who led Sky’s communications since June 2024, will join as Messerschmidt’s deputy. Messerschmidt will oversee overall communications and digital development of the communications area and the staging of content across platforms; Steiner will focus on transformation communication and internal integration and leadership communication. The appointment continues post-merger integration of the two companies’ communications teams. The piece includes background on both executives’ prior roles and a statement from RTL Deutschland CEO Stephan Schmitter highlighting the importance of strategic communication during the merger.
Leadership appointments at major media owners matter for merger integration and external/internal communications affecting brand and advertiser relations, but this is a company-level personnel update with limited direct AdTech impact.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Eva Messerschmidt will remain head of RTL Deutschland communications as Executive Vice President after the Sky Deutschland takeover.
- Lisa Steiner, who led Sky’s communications since June 2024, will serve as Messerschmidt’s deputy.
- Messerschmidt has been responsible for RTL Deutschland communications since March 2023.
- Steiner previously held communications roles at Microsoft Deutschland and held leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson.
- Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland, commented that the merger increases the importance of clear, strategic communication.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedJohnson & Johnson
Large public healthcare manufacturer and commercial products company.
“Steiner previously held several leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, including in corporate communications and public affairs....”
Sky Deutschland
German pay-TV, streaming and premium video advertising operator.
“Following the takeover, Lisa Steiner — who led Sky communications since June 2024 — will join RTL Deutschland as deputy in the communication...”
Microsoft
Diversified software, cloud, advertising and gaming platform company.
“Before her time at Sky, Steiner was responsible, among other things, for communications at Microsoft Deutschland....”
NITRO TV
German ad-funded free-to-air TV channel and media brand.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.