AEG Germany CEO Leaves

While Live Nation is still trying to sort out a promoter base in Germany, arch-rival AEG has just announced Berlin-based chief exec Detlef Kornett is leaving the company at the end of the year.

Kornett, who won’t be replaced, is leaving in order to meet “new challenges.”

“My task is fulfilled”, he said in a written statement announcing his departure. “The Anschutz Entertainment Group is well established in Germany. The two O2 arenas in Berlin and Hamburg and the two ice hockey teams are managed by great teams.”

AEG is expected to integrate Kornett’s German business areas in Berlin directly into the worldwide structure.

The Berlin office, which has 17 employees, will continue to develop and do the marketing of the city’s O2 World.

“Detlef Kornett had a large share in the growing of the Anschutz Entertainment Group. He pushed and established our projects in Europe and positioned AEG in Germany,” AEG chief exec Tim Leiweke said in a statement.

Since 2000, Kornett has moved from being managing director of the UK operation in London to become managing director, president and Chief exec Anschutz Entertainment Group in Germany.

During that time, he oversaw the takeover of London’s Millennium Dome in London, which is now the O2 complex, and developed the Berlin O2 on the site of the old eastern railway station.

He also negotiated AEG’s purchase of the former Hamburg Color Line arena and the naming deal with Telefonica O2 Germany.