Axel Springer Divests Consulting Arm as Leadership Team Takes Full Ownership to Drive Next Growth Phase

The management team at hy: Steffen Vollmerding, Partner, Anne Schlösser, Partner, Sebastian Herzog, Partner and Co-CEO, Dr. Sebastian Voigt, Partner and Co-CEO, Frank Gehrig, Partner (from left to right)

(IN BRIEF) Axel Springer hy GmbH is becoming an independent, partner-owned consultancy under the name hy Consulting after its leadership team acquired all shares through a management buy-out. The new structure allows the firm to operate autonomously while maintaining its existing client relationships and leadership under Co-CEOs Sebastian Herzog and Dr. Sebastian Voigt. Since its founding in 2017, hy has delivered more than 600 projects for over 275 clients, building a reputation in strategy, innovation and digital transformation. The transition enables the consultancy to pursue further growth while Axel Springer concentrates on its core media businesses.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 18-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Axel Springer hy GmbH will transition into an independent, partner-led consultancy operating under the new name hy Consulting following a management buy-out by its leadership and partner team. Through the transaction, the firm’s active partners have acquired all shares previously held by Axel Springer, establishing a new ownership structure designed to reinforce its entrepreneurial direction and support the next stage of growth.

Dr. Sebastian Voigt and Sebastian Herzog will continue to lead the company as Co-CEOs, ensuring continuity in leadership and client engagement. The consultancy will maintain its existing teams, service offerings and client relationships while gaining full decision-making autonomy under the new structure.

Founded in 2017 with Axel Springer as a strategic partner, hy has completed more than 600 consulting engagements for over 275 clients across strategy, innovation and digital transformation. The firm currently employs around 60 professionals and has received multiple industry recognitions, including high rankings for corporate culture and accolades for its pricing expertise.

The move to independence marks a structural evolution of the firm’s long-standing entrepreneurial approach, enabling it to further develop its market positioning while preserving the collaborative foundation established with Axel Springer. Axel Springer, in turn, will sharpen its strategic focus on its core digital media and marketing activities while maintaining an ongoing connection with the consultancy.

The rebranding to hy Consulting will be finalised following commercial register approval. Headquartered in Berlin, the firm supports corporations, mid-sized enterprises, private equity investors and high-growth technology companies with growth strategies, scaling initiatives and data-driven monetisation models.

About hy Consulting

hy Consulting is an industry-agnostic, partner-led management consultancy for strategy, innovation, pricing, and sales headquartered in Berlin. With a team of more than 60 consultants, the firm supports corporations, mid-sized companies, private equity funds, and high-growth technology and digital companies in achieving growth, scaling operations, and monetizing data-driven business models.

As of February 2026, hy operates as an independent, entrepreneurially led consultancy owned by its active partners, leaders, and employees. Sebastian Herzog and Dr. Sebastian Voigt serve as Co-CEOs.

For more information, visit hy.co and follow hy on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Ann-Sophie Teckemeier
Senior Manager Marketing & Communications
ann-sophie.teckemeier@hy.co

Amon Menzel Vice
President Marketing & Communications
amon.menzel@hy.co

Jan Bauer
Director Corporate Communications, Deputy Company Spokesperson
jan.bauer@axelspringer.com
+49 30 2591 77622

SOURCE: Axel Springer