Billionaire Profile
K
Global Rank
#1158

Image: Unknown Author | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Klaus-Peter Schulenberg

CEO, Ticketing service
GERMANY
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.767B
Estimated based on Ticketing service stock value as of April 20, 2026
-1.55% (24h)
Age
74
Source
Ticketing service
Industry
Service
Citizenship
GERMANY

Biography

Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, the founder and CEO of CTS Eventim, is a prominent figure in the European ticketing and live entertainment market. His estimated net worth is $4.1 billion as of 2024. Schulenberg's career began in the entertainment industry in the 1970s, eventually leading him to acquire the ticketing company CTS in 1996. Through strategic acquisitions and a focus on technological innovation, he transformed CTS Eventim into a global leader, handling ticketing for millions of events annually. Schulenberg's leadership has been instrumental in the company's growth, driving it to become a major player in the live entertainment sector, with consistent revenue and earnings growth.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Klaus-Peter Schulenberg was born in Bremen, Germany. He started his journey in the entertainment industry while still a student in Bremen. In 1973, he founded an artist management and concert organizing agency, marking his initial venture into the world of live events.

Rise to Success

Schulenberg's career took a significant turn in 1996 when he acquired the ticketing company CTS. This acquisition laid the foundation for CTS Eventim's future. Under his leadership, CTS Eventim grew to become a leader in the European ticketing and live entertainment market. The company went public in 2000, further fueling its expansion. Schulenberg's strategic vision included the acquisition of regional concert promoters, ticketing agencies, venue operators, and event producers, leading to a period of rapid growth and market dominance.

Key Business Strategies

CTS Eventim's success is built upon several key strategies. One of the most crucial has been the aggressive consolidation and diversification through the acquisition of various companies. Schulenberg has focused on building a vertically integrated network, which includes ticketing, live entertainment, and venue operations. This approach has allowed CTS Eventim to control multiple aspects of the live event experience. The early adoption of e-commerce, launching eventim.de in 2000, also played a crucial role in capturing the growing demand for digital tickets. Additionally, Schulenberg's partnerships, such as the one with Michael Cohl, have been pivotal for international expansion.

Philanthropy

While specific details on his philanthropy are not readily available in the search results, Schulenberg's involvement in the industry, including the support of the Kontaktstudiengang Popularmusik at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg (now Eventim Popkurs) since 2008, suggests a commitment to the arts and music education.

Career Milestones

1973

Founded Artist Management and Concert Agency

Schulenberg founded his first company, an artist management and concert organizing agency, while still a student.

1996

Acquired CTS

Schulenberg acquired the ticketing company CTS, which became the foundation of CTS Eventim.

2000

CTS Eventim Goes Public

The company went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, fueling expansion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts and Education

Support for Eventim Popkurs

Unknown

CTS Eventim has supported the Kontaktstudiengang Popularmusik at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg (now Eventim Popkurs).

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I've been asked why CTS Eventim, over all these years, has been so well received by the capital market. The reason is simple: we've always placed a higher value on the good of our company than on the capital market's appraisal."

Leadership Principles

Long-term Vision

Prioritizing the long-term good of the company over short-term capital market appraisals.

Controversies & Challenges

Unknown

Friction with Cartel Authorities

Schulenberg's acquisitions of regional concert promoters, ticketing agencies, and venue operators have created friction with cartel authorities.

2018

German Toll Contract Dispute

CTS Eventim and Kapsch claimed over $600 million in damages from the German transportation ministry after European regulators scrapped a contract to collect passenger vehicle tolls.