Kirch mixes new Formula, adds units

Co. shuffles exex, taps Ritvay

By ED MEZA

BERLIN -- German media giant Kirch Group has added two new divisions to the company and reshuffled its top personnel in the wake of its 75% acquisition of Formula One marketing outfit SLEC.

Company has created divisions for mergers and acquisitions as well as its recently obtained Formula One motor racing assets.

Alexander Ritvay, former VP of legal and corporate affairs, will be managing both of the new departments. As VP of mergers and acquisitions, Ritvay will report to newly appointed chief financial officer Brian Cook. In his Formula One post, he will report to deputy chairman Dieter Hahn.

Ritvay also is relieving Hahn as chairman of Formula One investment company Speed. He will represent Kirch on the boards of SLEC's various subsidiaries.

Dorothee Belz, VP of regulation and human resources, will take over Ritvay's job at legal and corporate affairs.