Bauer Media Group realigns leadership structure

Bauer Media Group has announced a new two-tier management structure designed to streamline decision-making, strengthen collaboration across its audio, publishing and outdoor divisions, and support long-term growth.

Effective Jan. 1, the company’s board will comprise three members — Chair of the Board Yvonne Bauer, Chief Operating Officer Vivian Mohr and Chief Financial Officer Michael Davie. Both Mohr and Davie previously served on the executive board, with Mohr most recently as president of audio and Davie as deputy CFO.

Yvonne Bauer said Mohr has played a central role in the company’s strategic and cultural transformation. “With his deep understanding of our business, clear strategic thinking and passion for change, Vivian has been a driving force behind our growth,” she said. “I am delighted that he is now taking on an even more central role on the Board as chief operating officer.”

Bauer added that Davie brings “a deep understanding of our financial and organizational structure” and “a forward-looking mindset” that will help shape the group’s continued development.

Closer alignment

The board will be supported by a new group leadership team led by Mohr. The team integrates Bauer Media’s core business operations — audio, publishing and outdoor — with key functions including people, finance and legal. The company says this closer alignment between strategy and operations will enable faster decision-making and stronger collaboration.

“With the group leadership team, we are creating a structure that brings together entrepreneurial spirit and deep expertise,” said Mohr. “By aligning strategy, operational strength and market insight more closely, we gain the speed, unity and focus needed to drive future growth.”

The group leadership team will be composed of Justin Cochrane as president outdoor and CEO outdoor UK, Simon Myciunka as president audio and CEO audio UK, and Ingo Klinge as president publishing and CEO publishing Germany. They will be joined by Svenja Dimke, senior vice president people, and Tina Sany-Davies, group general counsel.

The company also confirmed several leadership changes. Jan Wachtel, president publishing and executive board member, will leave to become CEO of Burda Media, while Gerald Mai, chief legal officer and operations, will become CEO of Panther Bay Capital, the family office of Yvonne Bauer.

Bauer acknowledged both executives’ long service. “Gerald has played a key role in shaping Bauer Media Group for more than 20 years,” she said. “I’m pleased he will continue to work closely with us in his new capacity.”

As part of the restructuring, Ulrike Abratis, senior vice president group communications and corporate brand, will depart to pursue new opportunities. “Ulrike has been a trusted partner and a driving force in Bauer Media’s transformation,” said Bauer. “She shaped a modern corporate identity and gave the company a distinctive, vibrant voice.”

Bauer Media says the new structure reflects the group’s focus on “healthy and profitable growth” through stronger alignment of its core business areas and greater integration of its leadership functions.