Transatlantic family-run media conglomerate, Axel Springer, unveils revamped corporate setup
Axel Springer, a transatlantic media powerhouse, has completed a major shake-up announced way back in 2024. By April 2025, this German juggernaut of journalism emerged as a leaner, meaner digital beast, resuming family ownership for the first time since 1985.
CEO Mathias Döpfner remarked, "Our primary objective is crystal clear: shaping the future of fearless journalism in the free world." Axel Springer's digital journalism arm takes center stage in this revamped setup, with media brands across Europe and the USA—such as "Bild," "Morning Brew," "Politico," and "Welt"—leading the charge.
In this new order, certified investors KKR and CPP Investments cash out their shares in Axel Springer. The duo will continue to own a large stake in the Stepstone Group, a world-renowned job platform, and Aviv, a leading European real estate platform, which now operate as independent joint ventures. Axel Springer still holds a 10% stake in these classifieds giants and plans to keep benefiting from their future growth[1].
The Strategy-Man, Jan Bayer, is stepping down from his board position on July 31, 2025, but he's not leaving without a fight. He'll join the supervisory board, taking up the gavel as its chair. Plus, he'll serve on the shareholder boards of The Stepstone Group and AVIV. From Washington D.C. and New York, he'll keep strategically supporting Axel Springer's stateside operations[1].
Julian Deutz, a seasoned company veteran, takes over as CEO of AS Classifieds GmbH on June 1, 2025. This new biz U.S.A is here to help manage Stepstone and Aviv, partnering with KKR, CPP Investments, and Axel Springer to keep the growth of the classifieds business on the upswing[1].
Curious to know more about Axel Springer's famous media titles? Keep an eye out for brands like "Bild," "Die Welt," "Business Insider," "Morning Brew," "Politico," "Fakt" (Ringier's Polish joint venture), "Forbes," "Newsweek," and "Onet"[1]. These dynamic brands are just the tip of the iceberg as Axel Springer continues its relentless pursuit of independent journalism in the free world.
- Axel Springer Changes
- Axel Springer Overview
- What is the primary objective of Axel Springer as per CEO Mathias Döpfner? - Shaping the future of fearless journalism in the free world.
- Which media brands are leading the charge in Axel Springer's revamped setup, spanning Europe and the USA? - "Bild," "Morning Brew," "Politico," and "Welt."
- Who have certified investors KKR and CPP Investments sold their shares in Axel Springer, but still own a large stake in? - The Stepstone Group and Aviv, which now operate as independent joint ventures.
- In which capacity will The Strategy-Man, Jan Bayer, serve after stepping down from his board position on July 31, 2025? - He'll join the supervisory board, take up the gavel as its chair, and serve on the shareholder boards of The Stepstone Group and AVIV.
