ProSiebenSat.1 names Nick Thexton as CTO

German commercial broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 has named former YouView and Cisco service provider video technology chief Nick Thexton as its CTO.

Nick Thexton

Thexton, who comes to ProSiebenSat.1 from Inmarsat, where he is currently chief digital and product officer, will take up his new role in June, reporting to CEO Max Conze. He will be part of the group’s new extended executive board.

Thexton will be charged with managing all business functions on group level that support the ongoing transformation of ProSiebenSat.1 into a technology and data-led company. His remit is to connect individual components, such as data management, tech solutions and digital business models, more effectively and synergistically in order to significantly accelerate digital growth at the technology front.

Conze said: “Now more than ever before, success in the entertainment business is based on continuous technological progress. Therefore, we are delighted that a true technology innovator such as Nick Thexton is joining us, to support ProSiebenSat.1 and take us to the next level.”

Thexton said: “With its diversified business, ProSiebenSat.1 has a wide range of technological components. I am looking forward to bringing in new ideas and developing the technological ecosystem of ProSiebenSat.1, together with my new teams.”

Thexton’s appointment comes as ProSiebenSat.1 is revamping its management structure, with its Entertainment arm to be split off as a standalone company under co-CEOs Wolfgang Link and Michaela Tod, currently president of vacuum cleaner outfit Dyson’s Greater China region.

The broadcaster’s ‘three pillars’ of Entertainment, production unit Red Arrow Studios and non-TV activities outfit NuCom Group will each be led by two co-CEOs going forwards. The parent company will establish a new executive committee on April 1 comprising CEO Max Conze, the SFO and deputy CEO and group general counsel.

ProSiebenSat.1 set out a five-year transformation plan last November to grow its top line from €4 billion to €6 billion.

Separately, ProSiebenSat.1 has extended its existing deal with German studio Constantin Film, securing it rights to exploit all national and international cinema in-house and co-productions of Constantin Film which start shooting between January 2019 and December 2021 Content covered by the deal includes forthcoming comedy Das perfekte Geheimnis.