DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG, a leading European live entertainment and ticketing company, is set to undergo a significant leadership transition that signals its ambition to accelerate international growth. Markus Breitenecker, a seasoned media executive, will join the Executive Board on 1 November 2026 and acquire a shareholding in the company. He will succeed Detlef Kornett as Chairman of the Executive Board, with Kornett departing at the end of 2026 after thirteen years on the board, including roles as Co-CEO since 2023 and Chairman since 2024.
Kornett's tenure was marked by substantial international expansion and strengthened market position. In financial year 2025, DEAG reported revenue of approximately EUR 490 million, the highest in its history. This strong performance provides a solid foundation for the next phase of development. Kornett expressed pride in the team's achievements and wished Breitenecker success.
Breitenecker brings extensive experience from the media and entertainment sector. He previously served on the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE as Chief Operating Officer, with a focus on building new business areas. His expertise in media, technology, and platform businesses is expected to be instrumental in driving DEAG's continued international expansion and further strengthening its market position across existing and new business areas.
In his new role, Breitenecker will work alongside the other Executive Board members to steer the company's growth strategy. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting his personal passion for live entertainment and its enduring ability to bring people together in the digital age. He looks forward to leveraging his background to help shape the future of entertainment in Europe.
Tobias Buck, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, thanked Kornett for his commitment and contribution to DEAG's international development and welcomed Breitenecker, citing his entrepreneurial and management experience as key to leading the company along its continued growth path.
DEAG, founded in Berlin in 1978, operates in 25 locations across Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. The company organizes over 6,000 live events annually and sells more than 10 million tickets, with a growing share sold through its ticketing platforms: myticket.de, myticket.at, myticket.co.uk, and gigantic.com. The leadership change underscores DEAG's commitment to innovation and global reach in the live entertainment industry.
