The board of German media group Pro Sieben Media AG has elected Swiss economic jurist Urs Rohner as its new chairman. The decision was made unanimously, Pro Sieben said in a statement. Rohner, aged 40, will replace Georg Kolfer on February 1 2000. Kolfer decided not to extend his contract in order to become an independent media entrepreneur. In a reference to speculation about closer collaboration with Kirch Group, board director Hans Reischl said that Pro Sieben will continue its independent path. It is known that Rohner was the candidate favoured by Leo Kirch, whose son Thomas is Pro Siebenis main shareholder. However Rohner made it clear immediately after his appointment that he was not the "emissary of Leo Kirch".