Gerhard Zeiler to launch independent Institute 2035 after Warner-Paramount exit

Gerhard Zeiler, who spent 15 years heading Warner’s international division, is departing after the company’s merger with Paramount and is set to establish the Institute 2035 in Vienna. Funded privately, the institute will not be labeled a think tank but will convene experts to tackle major European and Austrian concerns, including reviving the economy without Russian gas, climate action, demographic shifts, health care, AI, and defence readiness.

Zeiler linked his initiative to countering right-wing populism and urging centrist parties to adopt unconventional solutions. He reflected on the recent SPÖ transition, praising the consensus around Markus Marterbauer as successor to Andreas Babler. While no meeting with Marterbauer is scheduled, Zeiler plans to meet ORF director Clemens Pig to discuss improving public-broadcast efficiency.