Hubert Burda Media is set to undergo a significant leadership transition as founder Hubert Burda, 84, steps down from his role as the head of the company. His two children, Elisabeth Burda Furtwängler, 32, and Jacob Burda, 34, will assume management responsibilities starting February 1, 2025. This transition will mark the fourth generation of the Burda family taking the helm of the company, which has been operational since 1903 and is well-known for popular magazine brands like Bunte and Focus.
According to official announcements, the family-owned publishing empire boasts approximately 10,000 employees and operates entirely under family control. With Hubert Burda holding around 25.1% ownership, both of his children will manage 37.5% each of the company shares. Despite the impending leadership shift, officials have indicated there will be no changes to this ownership structure after the transition.
Hubert Burda is proud of the legacy he is passing on. "The truly unique aspect of a family business is not just ownership; rather, one is responsible for it on behalf of the next generation," Burda stated. He expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the company by his parents approximately four decades ago and highlighted the importance of handing over the business to his children now.
Hubert's children have been preparing for this responsibility for some time. Since joining the board of directors back in 2017, they have increasingly been taking on prominent roles within the company. They have had active participation, especially noted during the summer, when it was announced they would start to play more formative roles within the management structure of the family business.
Elisabeth Burda Furtwängler shared her thoughts on the transition, noting the deliberate timing of their succession. "We have consciously chosen to take on this entrepreneurial responsibility during politically and economically challenging times to continue the transformation of our family business, aware of our tradition yet open to innovation," she commented. Jacob Burda echoed this sentiment, stating, "It is a great honor and responsibility to carry on our father's legacy for the fourth generation. Burda is at a pivotal phase, where it is important to set the right course for our nearly 10,000 employees and society as a whole."
This generational shift within the Burda family is especially noteworthy considering Hubert Burda's forthcoming 85th birthday, making it evident for observers and insiders alike. He will retain his status as personally liable partner and honorary chairman of the holding company following his retirement from active management roles.
This change is reflective of broader trends within the media sector as traditional print media faces sustained pressure from digital transformations. The Burda family is no stranger to such challenges, considering Hubert's previous statements on the need for evolution and adaptation.
Elisabeth Burda Furtwängler, aside from her responsibilities at the media company, has also pursued music endeavors, raising questions about the future intersection of culture and traditional media operations—a potential focus for her leadership going forward. Meanwhile, Jacob, identified as a digital entrepreneur, brings a fresh perspective to the ensemble, and family observers are intrigued by how their unique backgrounds will shape the future of Hubert Burda Media.
The relationship dynamic between Hubert Burda and ex-wife Maria Furtwängler, who is also the mother of the two successors, adds another layer to the narrative. Their separation, announced last summer after over 30 years of marriage, exemplifies the complex personal and professional landscapes surrounding family-run businesses. Maria has also publicly commented on the transition, signifying the significance of this generational change within their family and the media industry.
Overall, Hubert Burda Media's leadership change heralds not just the end of one prominent career but signals the beginning of aspirations and ambitions for the next generation of Burdas at the helm of their family's legacy. With new challenges on the horizon, including adapting to modern consumer trends and the digital marketplace, all eyes will be on Elisabeth and Jacob as they navigate their roles as stewards of this historic company during its transformation phase.
It remains to be seen how the siblings will balance traditional values of the Burda brand with necessary innovations through their leadership, but there is no doubt they carry forth not just the mantle of their father, but also the hopes and expectations of the entire Burda family lineage.
