Presently CEO of RTL Group, a division of Bertelsmann AG and Europe’s largest television production and broadcast company, Zeiler will lead the international division’s continuing effort to strengthen its established interests and develop new business.

“We are delighted that Gerhard is joining us and look forward to the leadership, perspective and wealth of international television experience he will bring to one of the most successful and most strategically important areas of our company,” said Kent. “His programming success; entrepreneurial experience within a big company; ability to run multiple lines of business; deep understanding of the digital landscape and opportunity; relationships across the media landscape; and passion for the television business combine in a great international partner for me, an exciting leader for the division and a strong addition to our executive committee and the company overall. We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands, target and develop new markets and build scale around the world.”

“As a longtime observer of Turner’s networks, I am keenly aware of their strength with consumers and the company’s profile in the international business community,” said Zeiler. “This move is an opportunity to help grow some of the most valuable media brands in the world and develop new businesses alongside people I admire, like Phil and colleagues across Time Warner I have known and worked with over the years. This is an exciting time for our industry and for Turner Broadcasting, and I believe in our ability to lead and succeed.”

Turner Broadcasting System International operates versions of core TBS brands including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses. In recent years, Turner Broadcasting has doubled its scale in Latin America, forged strategic media partnerships in Japan and Korea, expanded in the Nordic region and Chile and teamed with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. Currently, Turner Broadcasting operates more than 130 channels in more than 30 languages in some 200 countries around the world.

As president of Turner Broadcasting System International, Zeiler will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks and media services offered outside of North America; the distribution and commercial operations of CNN’s international services; all of Turner Broadcasting’s international joint ventures; and all licensing and merchandising activity. Zeiler, who will report to Kent, will lead a 3 800-person division across Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.