Thomas Coesfeld will lead German media conglomerate Bertelsmann after a succession battle with his older brother.

The 35-year-old scion of a European family dynasty will take over German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, which owns book publisher Penguin Random House and music label BMG, after winning what was widely seen as a succession battle with his older brother.

Bertelsmann said on Thursday that Thomas Coesfeld will become chairman and chief executive officer starting in 2027 after the contract for current leader Thomas Rabe expires at the end of next year.

Mr. Coesfeld is a seventh-generation member of the European family that founded Bertelsmann in 1835 and maintains control to this day, through direct ownership and foundations.

While the Bertelsmann name might not register much

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