RTL Deutschland ups former Netflix exec to become chief content officer

Inga Leschek (Source: RTL)

Former Netflix exec Inga Leschek is to become chief content officer at RTL Deutschland from 1 June, taking on the remit from CEO Stephan Schmitter.

Leschek will retain her role as MD of programmes at RTL and streamer RTL+, but also now oversee all shows across RTL Deutschland’s TV channels (RTL, Vox, NTV, RTL Super and multi-channel).

Stephan Schmitter (Source: RTL)

She also oversees all journalistic content and output at RTL News, but excluding Stern+.

Leschek took over as MD of programmes in March 2023 following a short stint as director of non-fiction at Netflix, where she was responsible for shows in the German-speaking and Central and Eastern European regions.

She had previously spent a decade at the German firm, where she had been MD of RTL Studios and 99pro media, which she merged in 2020. During her tenure, the production unit had been behind shows including Ninja Warrior, Guidos Deko Queen and Are You The One? were produced.

Schmitter, who had been chief creative officer prior to being named CEO last year, said: “Since her return to RTL Deutschland, Inga Leschek has impressed us with her great content and creative qualities.

“Under her leadership, RTL has not only been able to significantly increase its audience shares and market leadership in all target groups up to the age of 59, but RTL+ is also continuing its success story with great momentum and is already by far the largest national streaming service – in front of and behind the paywall.”

Leschek, who also takes a place o the RTL board, added: “Whether with journalism, sport, fiction or entertainment, we want to continue to captivate our audience and start conversations about our programmes throughout Germany.

“The smart interplay of our impressive variety of content across all distribution channels that are available to us across linear, non-linear and digital makes us unique and makes my job the most exciting I can imagine in this market.”