Generational Transition at Burda Group Brings New Leadership Structure Into Effect

New members of the Executive Board: Maximilian Preisser, Christian Teichmann, Lydia Rullkötter and Jan Wachtel © Dominik Gigler, BPI, Christoph Soeder/dpa Picture Alliance, Alexander Klebe for Bauer Media Group

(IN BRIEF) The Burda Group has completed a comprehensive renewal of its leadership as part of a generational transition, appointing a newly structured Executive Board effective 1 January 2026. Key appointments include Dr Maximilian Preisser overseeing equity investments and central functions, Dr Lydia Rullkötter succeeding Holger Eckstein as CFO during 2026, and Christian Teichmann leading the new Venture & Networks division. Jan Wachtel continues as CEO Burda Media, while Dr Marc Al-Hames becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors following a year of reorganisation led by Olaf Koch. The changes aim to strengthen strategic focus, ensure continuity, and support Burda’s long-term transformation.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 9-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Burda Group has completed a major renewal of its leadership structure as part of a broader generational transition, appointing a newly configured Executive Board effective 1 January 2026. The changes follow the assumption of entrepreneurial and publishing responsibility by Dr Jacob Burda and Elisabeth Burda Furtwängler at the beginning of 2025 and a year-long reorganisation led by Olaf Koch as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The reconstituted Executive Board brings together experienced internal leaders alongside established external expertise. Jan Wachtel, who has overseen the entire media business as CEO Burda Media since the start of 2026, is joined on the Executive Board by Dr Maximilian Preisser, Dr Lydia Rullkötter, and Christian Teichmann.

Dr Maximilian Preisser, formerly General Counsel and a member of the Burda Group since 2017, assumes responsibility for equity investments as well as the group-wide functions of mergers and acquisitions, legal affairs, compliance, sustainability, and governance. His remit includes oversight of key investments such as HolidayCheck, XING, kununu, and Cyberport, reflecting Burda’s continued focus on strategically aligned portfolio development.

Dr Lydia Rullkötter, who has spent more than 13 years at Burda and most recently served as Co-CEO of BurdaForward, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. She will succeed Holger Eckstein, who is scheduled to retire at the end of 2026. Eckstein will remain in his role during the transition period to ensure continuity and an orderly handover.

Christian Teichmann, co-founder and long-standing leader of BurdaPrincipal Investments, joins the Executive Board with responsibility for the newly defined strategic area Venture & Networks. This portfolio includes the venture capital activities of BPI, the DLD innovation conference, and the development of new growth platforms designed to strengthen Burda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In parallel with these appointments, Dr Marc Al-Hames moves from his role as CEO of Burda Equity to become Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Olaf Koch. Koch, who led an intensive phase of restructuring and strategic realignment, will return to his investment activities as a partner at Zintinus. Dr Al-Hames brings extensive knowledge of the group, having joined Burda in 2011 and served on the Executive Board since early 2023, where he led multiple businesses through periods of transformation and growth.

Dr Jacob Burda thanked Olaf Koch for his contribution during a critical transition phase, noting his role in providing momentum and clarity during the company’s reorientation. Elisabeth Burda Furtwängler echoed this appreciation and welcomed Dr Marc Al-Hames as Chairman, highlighting his deep understanding of the group’s culture and strategic priorities.

Commenting on the new appointments, Dr Marc Al-Hames said the Executive Board combines internal renewal with external enrichment, forming a leadership team that understands Burda’s strengths while bringing fresh energy and ideas to drive the company’s ongoing transformation.

The Executive Board will jointly oversee the operational and strategic management of the Burda Group. The Board of Directors will continue to advise and supervise the Executive Board, playing a central role in shaping the company’s long-term strategy and portfolio direction. In addition to members of the Burda family, the Board of Directors includes Dr Ulrike Handel, Meredith Whittaker, and Dr Andreas Rittstieg as Deputy Chairman.

Media Contact:

Julia Korn
Director
+49 89 92503706
julia.korn@burda.com

SOURCE: Hubert Burda Media