DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG has announced a leadership transition that will shape the company's next phase of growth. Markus Breitenecker, a seasoned media executive, will join DEAG's Executive Board on 1 November 2026 and will simultaneously acquire a shareholding in the company. He will succeed Detlef Kornett as Chairman of the Executive Board. Kornett will leave the company at the end of 2026 upon the expiry of his contract, after thirteen years on the Executive Board, as planned.
During his tenure, Kornett played a decisive role in shaping DEAG's development, serving as Co-CEO since 2023 and as Chairman since 2024. Under his leadership, the group significantly expanded its international presence and strengthened its market position. In financial year 2025, DEAG generated revenue of approximately EUR 490 million, the highest in its corporate history. This strong financial foundation provides a platform for the company's next phase of development.
Kornett commented, "My time at DEAG has been characterised by an extraordinary period of development. I am proud of what we have achieved together as a team and would like to thank all colleagues and partners for their successful collaboration. I wish Markus Breitenecker and the entire DEAG team every success in the next phase of the Company's journey."
Breitenecker brings extensive expertise in building and developing new business areas. He previously served on the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Together with other Executive Board members, he will focus on driving the group's continued international growth and further expanding its market position across existing and new business areas. His experience in media, technology, and platform businesses is expected to be instrumental in navigating the evolving entertainment landscape.
Breitenecker said, "I am truly excited to begin a new chapter with DEAG. Live entertainment has always been a personal passion of mine and, particularly in the digital age, remains one of the things that brings people together. The Company has an outstanding team and excellent foundations for unlocking new opportunities. I look forward to bringing my experience from media, technology and platform businesses to DEAG and helping to shape the future of entertainment in Europe."
Tobias Buck, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DEAG, expressed gratitude to Kornett and welcomed Breitenecker: "On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to sincerely thank Detlef Kornett for his many years of commitment and his significant contribution to DEAG's international development. We are delighted to welcome Markus Breitenecker as the new Chairman of the Executive Board of DEAG. With his extensive entrepreneurial and management experience, he will lead DEAG along its continued growth path and help shape the Company's future development."
DEAG, founded in Berlin in 1978, is a leading provider of live entertainment, ticketing, and entertainment services in Europe. With group companies at 25 locations, DEAG operates in Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. The company organises over 6,000 live events annually and sells more than 10 million tickets, a growing share of which are sold through its ticketing platforms: myticket.de, myticket.at, myticket.co.uk, and gigantic.com.
This leadership change comes as DEAG seeks to build on its record revenue and further strengthen its position in the live entertainment industry. Breitenecker's appointment is expected to bring fresh strategic direction, particularly in digital transformation and international market development. For stakeholders, the transition signals continuity and a commitment to growth, with the company well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in the evolving entertainment sector. The news was originally announced via NEWMEDIAWIRE, and further details are available in the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
