A Fresh Phase for Cologne: A New Captain at the Helm
Ceconomy's Supervisory Board is led by Vilanek
It's a winds of change at the top tier for Colonial Electronics, post the sudden exit of Karsten Wildberger from his Digital Minister role to join the new federal administration. This shift will also bring changes to the supervisory board of the electronics retailing giant, as Thomas Dannenfeldt, the current chairman, is stepping down come July, citing personal reasons. In an extraordinary meeting, the board has already elected Christoph Vilanek as his successor.
Christoph Vilanek, an accomplished business tycoon and a long-standing associate of CECONOMY AG, the parent company of significant consumer electronics heavyweights such as MediaMarkt, MediaWorld, and Saturn, is gearing up for his new role. He's been a member of CECONOMY's Supervisory Board since May 2019, and previously, he served as the CEO of freenet AG, a prominent telecommunications group, for an impressive 15-year stint[3][4]. freenet presently maintains a considerable stake in CECONOMY AG, augmenting Vilanek's insights into the company's strategic sphere[2].
Vilanek steps into the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the end of July 2025[1][4][2], offering a fresh perspective and deep-rooted understanding of the company's operational landscape. In his new position, he will work closely with the Executive Board and guide the supervisory body, helping CECONOMY steer its strategic course amidst ongoing executive reorganizations, like the ongoing chase for a permanent CEO[2][1][4]. It's time for a fresh wave of innovation and strategy as Cologne prepares for its new era under Christoph Vilanek.
Christoph Vilanek, with his extensive background in business and experience in the finance sector from his tenure at freenet AG, is poised to bring fresh ideas to the electronics retailing giant, Colonial Electronics, as he assumes the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board. His deep understanding of the strategic sphere, thanks to CECONOMY AG's stake in freenet, will be instrumental in guiding the supervisory body and steering the company's course during this time of executive reorganization.
