former CEO
© Caren Detje
DIE ZEIT
Rainer Esser
- 2026
- Moderator
- Circle
- 2026
- Attendee
Rainer Esser is a German media executive, journalist and lawyer. He served as CEO of the ZEIT Publishing Group from 1999 to 2026, leading its transformation into one of Germany’s most successful media organisations. On February 1, 2026, he assumed the role of Executive Advisor at Holtzbrinck and became a Member of the Supervisory Board of DIE ZEIT He also chairs the Supervisory Board of the Hamburg Media School and has received several awards for his contributions to the media industry.
