On 1 May 2026, Karsten Günther will take over as Head of the Editorial and Programme Management Department at ARD Degeto Film. He succeeds Christoph Pellander, who will take over the management of the company.

In his new role, Günther will be editorially responsible for commissioned and co-productions as well as licence acquisition for ARD Degeto Film in coordination with the management. In addition, his responsibilities will include programme planning for in-house productions and co-productions as well as managing the communications and press team.

Günther is moving from production and digital media development to ARD Degeto Film. Most recently, he was Head of Innovation and Producer at Bavaria Fiction. His responsibilities there included strategic development in areas such as data-based content development, social media and artificial intelligence, as well as the realisation of various film and series projects. Earlier professional positions have taken him to leading positions in the digital division of Axel Springer SE and in series development at Lionsgate Entertainment in Los Angeles.

The Managing Director of ARD Degeto Film, Christoph Pellander, praised Günther as an experienced leader with extensive industry knowledge and a keen understanding of market and audience developments. Particularly in the context of the digital transformation and the increasing importance of streaming formats, Günther brings important skills to the table to drive the company's programmatic development forward.

With the change in department management, ARD Degeto Film is reorganising its management structure. The aim is to further strengthen the programme focus and expand its position as a commissioner of fictional content in the German television and streaming market.