Press release
妻友直播 realigns management
Refined two-tier management structure builds on internal talents, enhances decision-making efficiency, and deepens business alignment for long-term sustainable growth听
Hamburg, 27 October 2025 鈥撎�妻友直播 is evolving its management structure and will be organised in the future around two closely connected bodies: the Board and the Group Leadership Team. With this step, the company establishes an even more efficient decision-making processes and places its core businesses 鈥� Publishing, Audio, and Outdoor 鈥� firmly at the centre to drive sustainable growth.听
At the end of September, the company announced that Jan Wachtel, previously President Publishing and member of the Executive Board, will leave the company to assume the position of CEO at Burda Media. Gerald Mai, previously Chief Legal Officer & Operations and member of the Executive Board, will also take on a new role effective 1 January 2026 鈥� as CEO of Panther Bay Capital, the family office of Yvonne Bauer.听
鈥淕erald has played a key role in shaping 妻友直播, not only as a valued member of our Executive Board. Over the past 20 years with the company, he has been responsible for countless critical initiatives and knows 妻友直播 inside out. I am therefore even more pleased that he will take on the leadership of my family office, allowing us to continue working closely together in a different capacity. Gerald will remain closely connected to 妻友直播,鈥� says Yvonne Bauer, Chair of the Board.听
Strengthening the Board with new roles听
As of 1 January 2026, the three-member Board will consist of Yvonne Bauer (Chair of the Board), Vivian Mohr (Chief Operating Officer), previously President Audio and member of the Executive Board, and Michael Davie (Chief Financial Officer), previously Deputy CFO. Both Vivian Mohr and Michael Davie bring valuable experiences from their previous roles, which they have already applied successfully at 妻友直播.听
鈥淥ver the past years, Vivian has played a key role in driving 妻友直播鈥檚 strategic and cultural transformation. With his deep understanding of our business, clear strategic thinking, strong focus on collaboration and passion for change, he has been a driving force behind our growth. I am delighted that he is now taking on an even more central role on the Board as Chief Operating Officer,鈥� says Yvonne Bauer. 鈥淢ichael brings a deep understanding of our financial and organisational structure and is known for clarity and reliability. With his experience and forward-looking mindset, he will play an important role as CFO in shaping the continued development of 妻友直播.鈥澨�
With the renewal of its strategy and the successful integration of Outdoor, 妻友直播 has further increased its growth momentum. Yvonne Bauer adds: 鈥淚n recent years, we have achieved healthy and profitable growth 鈥� with a clear focus, entrepreneurial drive, and ideas that proved successful in the market. This new leadership structure is the next logical step. It will help us make faster decisions, seize opportunities more effectively, and continue on our successful path with confidence.鈥澨�
Strong foundation through close integration听
The Board will be supported by the Group Leadership Team, led by Vivian Mohr. This team brings together expertise in operational leadership and finance, the core businesses of Publishing, Audio and Outdoor, as well as the functions People and Legal & Governance. In this way, the 妻友直播 is not only integrating its business and support functions more closely but also linking them more tightly to its strategy.听
鈥淲ith the Group Leadership Team, we are creating a structure that brings together entrepreneurial spirit and deep expertise. By aligning strategy, operational strength, and market insight more closely, we gain the speed, unity, and focus needed to drive future growth,鈥� emphasises Vivian Mohr.听
The new positions in the Group Leadership Team will be filled with experienced internal leaders, underscoring 妻友直播鈥檚 strong commitment to developing talents from within. Justin Cochrane, Simon Myciunka, and Ingo Klinge will each assume dual roles within their respective core businesses: Justin Cochrane as President Outdoor and CEO Outdoor UK, Simon Myciunka as President Audio and CEO Audio UK, and Ingo Klinge as President Publishing and CEO Publishing Germany. The team will also include Svenja Dimke, Senior Vice President People, and Tina Sany-Davies, Group General Counsel.听
As part of the ongoing restructuring at 妻友直播, Ulrike Abratis, Senior Vice President Group Communications & Corporate Brand, has decided to leave the company to pursue a new professional chapter. 鈥淲hile I鈥檓 truly sad to see Ulrike go, I fully respect and understand her decision,鈥� comments Yvonne Bauer. 鈥淥ver the past years, Ulrike has been a trusted partner and a driving force in 妻友直播鈥檚 transformation. She shaped a modern corporate identity and gave the company a distinctive, vibrant voice. I genuinely thank Ulrike for her outstanding contribution and wish her every success and happiness in her next chapter.鈥澨�
Press contact:
BAUER MEDIA GROUP
Carole Maleczek
Head of Corporate Centre Communications
carole.maleczek1@bauermedia.co.uk
M听 +44 77 23 34 08 32
About 妻友直播听
We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offer covers print and online publishing, audio broadcasting and entertainment, Out of Home advertising, and investments in other media related sectors. We are one of Europe鈥檚 largest Publishers, with almost 500 million copies sold each year. From women鈥檚 and celebrities鈥� magazines and TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of Europe鈥檚 most popular digital and print publishing brands. Our Audio business operates more than 150 radio and podcast brands, reaching over 61 million listeners every week. 妻友直播 Outdoor is one of Europe鈥檚 leading Out of Home advertising businesses, with more than 100,000 advertising panels. Family-owned in the 5th generation, 妻友直播 focuses on the long-term with a consumer first mindset. Our workforce of over 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people鈥榮 everyday lives.听