ITV Studios has hired Fabian Tobias to run its German production arm, replacing Christiane Ruff, who will retire in spring 2027 after 13 years at the helm (Deadline).

Tobias arrives from Banijay-owned EndemolShine Germany, where he oversaw operations across Germany, Switzerland, and Poland. During his time there, he launched local versions of The Masked Singer, Beauty and the Geek, and Lego Masters. He is no stranger to ITV Studios Germany itself: from 2013 to 2014, he worked as a Senior Producer on the company's local adaptations of I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here and Hell's Kitchen (Deadline).

As Managing Director, Tobias will report to Lisa Perrin, ITV Studios' Managing Director of International Production, based in London. His remit covers creative strategy, production, development of new shows for the international market, and acquisition of third-party formats — meaning shows created by other companies that ITV Studios Germany would license and adapt locally (Deadline).

The company he is joining produces some of Germany's most recognisable entertainment shows. Its slate includes local versions of I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, The Voice, The Chase, and The Werewolves (Deadline). ITV Studios Germany has operated under its current name since 2011, having previously been known as Granada (LinkedIn).

Ruff has served as Managing Director (Geschäftsführerin) since July 2014 (LinkedIn), though the company lists two managing directors — Ruff and Martin Borowski (ITV Studios Germany). Her departure closes a 13-year chapter of leadership.

The leadership change is not the only shift underway at ITV Studios Germany. Effective 1 August 2026, the company created a new Head of Digital position and appointed Tobias Roller to the role (DWDL, Klamm.de). The move signals a push into digital content alongside the company's traditional broadcast production business.

For viewers, the change in leadership is unlikely to disrupt familiar shows in the short term. I'm A Celebrity, The Voice, and The Chase are established fixtures on German television. What Tobias's appointment and the new digital role suggest is a company preparing to develop more original formats and expand beyond the adaptations that have defined its output — with a leader who has already proven he can launch them.