Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Generational shift at Burda Media: Jan Wachtel to take over as CEO in 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, Jan Wachtel (45) will become CEO of Burda Media and a member of the Board. This marks another step in the company’s ongoing generational leadership transition.

Wachtel brings extensive experience from senior roles at Bauer Media Group, Axel Springer, and RTL Deutschland. His proven track record in transformation and growth makes him the ideal choice to lead Burda Media into a new era.

Elisabeth Burda Furtwängler emphasized: “We rely on strong, credible media brands that have built trust and quality over decades. For this strategic task, Jan – with his impressive track record and modern leadership style – is the ideal choice.”

Olaf Koch, Chairman of the Board of Hubert Burda Media SE, added: “With Jan, we gain an excellent and experienced media executive who, together with our outstanding team, will pave the way for new growth.”

From 2026, Wachtel will assume responsibility for an international media business with 5,500 employees across 17 countries and revenues of €1.3 billion (2024).

Wachtel himself stated: “I’m truly excited about this new responsibility and consider it a great privilege to help shape Burda’s future together with my colleagues. The portfolio of strong brands provides a solid foundation, which we will now align with the challenges of a rapidly changing media world.”

At the same time, Philipp Welte will transition after more than 30 years of operational responsibility to a new role: In 2026, he will join the company’s Board of Directors. His contribution to profitability and strengthening journalistic quality has been expressly acknowledged by the company.

The generational shift at Burda Media will thus be complete: With Jan Wachtel as CEO Media, Marc Al-Hames as CEO Equity, and Holger Eckstein as CFO, the future governance structure is clearly defined from 2026 onward.