Mathias Döpfner
A German business executive and journalist who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the media conglomerate Axel Springer SE.
Mathias Döpfner began his professional career in journalism, serving as the editor-in-chief for several German newspapers. He joined the management board of Axel Springer SE in 2000 and was subsequently appointed Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the company underwent a digital transformation and expanded its international presence through various acquisitions.
Beyond his executive duties at Axel Springer, Döpfner has held significant leadership positions within the media industry. From 2016 to 2022, he served as the president of the Federal Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV). He is also recognized for his work as an author and his involvement in the arts sector.
In 2020, he was designated as the successor to Friede Springer, the widow of the company's founder. Through a series of transactions and voting rights transfers, he became a major shareholder in the media group. He currently holds a controlling interest in Axel Springer SE alongside Friede Springer.