BurdaVerlag Appoints Philipp Winkens as New Digital Director Health, Succeeding Jens Richter

BurdaVerlag is reorganizing its Digital Health division. Effective end of May 2025, Philipp Winkens (34) will step into the newly created role of Digital Director Health. He succeeds Jens Richter (62), Netdoktor’s long-time COO and Editor-in-Chief, who is leaving the publishing house at his own request to become State Director of NABU Saxony-Anhalt, focusing on nature conservation.

“I am pleased that we are filling the newly established position of Digital Director Health from within our own ranks,” said Martin Weese, CDO of BurdaVerlag. “Philipp Winkens not only brings deep subject-matter expertise in health, but also the strategic vision and technological acumen needed to shape sustainable digital business models in the health sector.”

Jens Richter is leaving after significantly shaping the development of Netdoktor over many years. Under his leadership, the platform has grown into the leading health resource in the DACH region. Weese expressed “great gratitude and respect” for Richter’s contributions and wished him “all the best and much success in his upcoming nature conservation project.”

Philipp Winkens has already been responsible for business development and all digital activities at Netdoktor. A graduate in nursing science, he previously worked as a lecturer for healthcare professions and held executive roles in a Berlin-based software company, focusing on product management and strategy. His appointment signals BurdaVerlag’s commitment to expanding and future-proofing its digital health strategy.