DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG has named Markus Breitenecker as the incoming Chairman of its Executive Board, effective 1 November 2026, succeeding Detlef Kornett, who will step down at the end of 2026 after thirteen years on the board. The leadership change signals continuity and ambition for the Berlin-based live entertainment group, which reported record revenue of approximately EUR 490 million in 2025. Breitenecker, a seasoned media executive and former COO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, will also acquire a shareholding in the company, aligning his interests with DEAG’s long-term success.
The transition matters because DEAG operates in a rapidly evolving European entertainment market, where digital transformation and international expansion are critical. Under Kornett’s leadership, the group expanded its presence across Germany, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, and Italy, and solidified its integrated business model spanning live events, ticketing, and entertainment services. Breitenecker’s background in media, technology, and platform businesses positions him to accelerate DEAG’s digital strategy and unlock new opportunities in the live entertainment space. His appointment underscores DEAG’s commitment to building on its record 2025 performance, which saw over 6,000 live events and more than 10 million tickets sold.
Breitenecker’s experience at ProSiebenSat.1, where he helped develop new business areas, will be crucial as DEAG seeks to deepen its ticketing footprint through platforms such as myticket.de, myticket.at, myticket.co.uk, and gigantic.com. These platforms are central to DEAG’s growth strategy, and Breitenecker’s digital expertise could enhance their market penetration and customer engagement.
Tobias Buck, Chairman of DEAG’s Supervisory Board, praised Kornett’s contributions and welcomed Breitenecker, noting his entrepreneurial and management experience will guide DEAG along its continued growth path. Kornett expressed pride in the company’s achievements and wished his successor well. Breitenecker, who describes live entertainment as a personal passion, emphasized the sector’s role in bringing people together in the digital age. His vision includes leveraging media and technology to shape the future of entertainment in Europe.
The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment. The live events industry is rebounding strongly post-pandemic, but competition is intensifying, and consumer expectations are shifting toward seamless digital experiences. DEAG’s ability to integrate ticketing platforms with live event promotion gives it a competitive edge, but sustained growth will require innovation in areas like data analytics, mobile ticketing, and personalized marketing. Breitenecker’s track record in media and platform businesses suggests he is well-suited to drive these initiatives.
Moreover, his shareholding in DEAG signals a strong vote of confidence in the company’s direction. It aligns leadership with shareholder value, a structure that can foster decisive, long-term decision-making. As DEAG continues to expand internationally, particularly in existing markets and new business areas, Breitenecker’s strategic guidance will be instrumental. The company’s focus on live entertainment for all generations and target audiences, coupled with strengthening its ticketing operations, remains central to its development.
For investors and industry observers, the smooth succession plan demonstrates DEAG’s preparedness for the future. Kornett’s departure after thirteen years marks the end of an era, but his legacy of international expansion provides a solid foundation. Breitenecker’s appointment is not merely a changing of the guard; it is a strategic move to infuse fresh perspectives and digital acumen into a traditional live entertainment business. As DEAG aims to build on its record revenue and further its market position, all eyes will be on how Breitenecker translates his media experience into tangible growth. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
