Christoph Eck-Schmidt appointed CMO/CCO of Axel Springer

Christoph Eck-Schmidt has been named Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Commercial Officer for Axel Springer’s marketing and sales divisions. Eck-Schmidt, the CEO of Bonial and Managing Director of BILD and Media Impact, will take up the position from 1 January, 2025

In his new role, he will coordinate the sales and advertising activities of Axel Springer, leading the efforts both nationally and, eventually, internationally on a cross-brand basis.

Eck-Schmidt, who began his professional career at Axel Springer in 2010, will continue as CEO of Bonial and retain responsibility for Media Impact. Additionally, he will take over Axel Springer’s Global Advertising team from Peter Würtenberger. To fully concentrate on this cross-brand role, he will step down as Managing Director of BILD.

To enhance Axel Springer’s position in both the national and international advertising market, Eck-Schmidt will intensify collaboration among the Group’s companies and further develop cross-brand and international marketing initiatives.

As part of this increased international collaboration, he will also work closely with Axel Springer’s US Group Sales team, led by Maggie Milnamow, which has driven significant incremental revenue opportunities across the U.S. Group, and the sales teams of Axel Springer’s four US brands. A key focus will be on developing additional revenue streams and new digital marketing offers.

 “I look forward to working closely with the national and international teams at Axel Springer to further strengthen our joint presence in the global advertising market,” Eck-Schmidt said. “Our focus will be on innovative solutions that secure sustainable revenue sources.”

Claudius Senst, future Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Executive Board of Axel Springer, added: “Christoph Eck-Schmidt has done outstanding work at Bonial, BILD, and Media Impact. In his new role, all brands at Axel Springer will benefit from his excellent expertise.”