Markus Breitenecker to Lead DEAG, Succeeding Detlef Kornett in 2026

Deutsche Entertainment AG (DEAG) is setting the course for its next phase of growth: Experienced media executive Markus Breitenecker (57) will succeed DEAG CEO Detlef Kornett, and join DEAG’s Executive Board on Nov. 1, 2026. Breitenecker will simultaneously acquire a shareholding in the company. Kornett will leave the company at the end of 2026 upon expiry of his contract, following thirteen successful years on DEAG’s Executive Board.

During this period, Detlef Kornett played a decisive role in shaping DEAG’s development, serving as Co-CEO since 2023 and as Chairman of the Executive Board since 2024. That’s also the year in which DEAG founder Prof. Peter Schwenkow handed over the management of the company to Kornett .

Under Kornett’s leadership, the DEAG Group significantly expanded its international presence and further strengthened its market position. DEAG’s overseas business now accounts for more than 50% of consolidated turnover. Under Kornett’s leadership, the UK developed into DEAG’s second home market, generating some €200 million annually.

In financial year 2025, the Group generated revenue of approximately €490 million ($573 million at the time), the highest in its corporate history . Kornett also oversaw DEAG’s expansion into Italy, through the acquisition of MC2 Live in 2024 , and Spain through the launch of Get Rock Live in collaboration with experienced Spanish live promoter Pierre Sabbag .

DEAG’s spoken work division, a focus under Kornett’s leadership, has become a key pillar of the group’s business. “DEAG’s next phase of development will build on this strong foundation,” according to DEAG’s press release announcing the leadership transition.

Kornett, whose lifelong love for live music was sparked by German Krautrock band Guru Guru when he was 12 years old, is a 2024 Pollstar Impact International honoree .

With Markus Breitenecker, DEAG gains “a highly experienced media and entertainment executive with extensive expertise in building and developing new business areas,” the announcement continues.

Among other roles, Breitenecker served on the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, where he acted as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Together with the other members of DEAG’s Executive Board, he will focus in particular on driving the Group’s continued international growth and further expanding its market position across existing and new business areas.

Impact International: UK/Euro 2024 Honoree Detlef Kornett

Comments:

Detlef Kornett, Chairman of the Executive Board of DEAG: “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.”

Markus Breitenecker, future Chairman of the Executive Board of DEAG: “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: “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.”

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_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/09/29/deag-leadership-transition-markus-breitenecker-to-succeed-detlef-kornett/)._