Gerhard Zeiler has been named chief executive Germany's RTL Group following the exit of Didier Bellens.

Zeiler (pictured) will take up his new responsibilities immediately, but will also continue in his current position as CEO of RTL Television, a 100% subsidiary of the RTL Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Zeiler said that "heading the only really pan-European audiovisual Group is a tremendous challenge. RTL Group has a wide range of assets in several businesses across a number of territories, which has helped it weather the current economic problems better than most of its peers. My task will be to secure and expand upon RTL Group's success and ensure that RTL Group takes its place at the forefront of the industry."

Bellens left RTL Group last week after three years as CEO to take up a new post at the Belgian telecommunications group Belgacom.