Axel Springer Acquires Sole Ownership of Morning Brew, Appoints New CEO and President

Axel Springer Acquires Sole Ownership of Morning Brew, Appoints New CEO and President

(IN BRIEF) Axel Springer has completed a financial transaction to become the sole owner of Morning Brew Inc., transitioning from a majority shareholder. As part of this change, co-founder and CEO Austin Rief has stepped down to become Executive Chairman, while Robert Dippell, the former CRO/COO, has been appointed as the new CEO. Devin Emery has been promoted to President. Morning Brew, which started as a simple newsletter at the University of Michigan, has grown into a successful multi-channel media company with a diverse content portfolio, including B2B advertising products, podcasts, and social video. The transaction supports Axel Springer’s strategy to expand into the U.S. news market and invest in innovative digital media companies.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 13-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Axel Springer has successfully completed a financial transaction to increase its stake in Morning Brew Inc., moving from a majority shareholder to the sole owner of the company. This strategic shift also marks a leadership change, as Morning Brew’s co-founder and CEO Austin Rief steps down from his CEO position and transitions to the role of Executive Chairman. In this new capacity, Austin will continue to play a key advisory role, helping guide the company’s growth as a trusted partner to the leadership team.

With this change, Robert Dippell, the former Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as the new CEO of Morning Brew. Since joining the company, Robert has made significant contributions to streamlining operations and managing key departments, including finance, product development, B2B editorial, audience growth, and revenue.

Devin Emery, previously the Chief Content Officer, has also been promoted to President of Morning Brew. Over the past decade, Austin and his co-founder Alex built Morning Brew from a single newsletter aimed at educating their friends at the University of Michigan into a thriving and diversified digital media company.

Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, praised Austin’s leadership, stating, “Under Austin’s guidance, the company has achieved remarkable growth and implemented innovative strategies that have reshaped the media landscape. We are extremely grateful for Austin’s contributions and excited about what lies ahead for Morning Brew under Robert Dippell’s leadership.”

In the last five years, Morning Brew has successfully evolved from a 50-person startup to a thriving multi-channel content business with 20 distinct franchises. The company now boasts a broad portfolio that includes B2B advertising products, consumer podcasts, events, and social video—cementing its place as a leader in the digital media space.

This transaction underscores Axel Springer’s ongoing strategy to expand its presence in the U.S. news market and invest in cutting-edge digital media companies, further strengthening its position as a global media leader.

Media Contact:

Nick Pacilio
Vice President and Head of U.S. Communications
nick.pacilio@axelspringer.com

SOURCE: Axel Springer SE