Christoph Eck-Schmidt named CEO of the BILD Group, Germany; expands digital products and business models

Christoph Eck-Schmidt named CEO of the BILD Group

Christoph Eck-Schmidt will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BILD Group on August 1, 2026. He succeeds Carolin Hulshoff Pol, who – as previously here announced – is moving within Axel Springer to become CEO of the Telegraph Media Group.

“Christoph Eck-Schmidt is an outstanding leader who combines entrepreneurial strength, digital expertise, and a deep understanding of the market. With his experience in commercialization, his strategic vision, and his passion for strong media brands, he will drive forward the success story and digital transformation of BILD,” says Claudius Senst, Board Member for Publishing at Axel Springer .

Christoph Eck-Schmidt currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Axel Springer and as CEO of Bonial; in various leadership roles, he has shaped the digital transformation, commercialization, and strategic development of the company’s media and commerce brands. He is stepping down from these positions as well as his role as Managing Director of Media Impact.

As CEO of the BILD Group, Christoph Eck-Schmidt will assume overall strategic and operational responsibility for Germany’s largest media brand. His focus will be on the consistent development and expansion of digital products and business models, as well as further strengthening BILD’s market leadership in the advertising sector.

Christoph Eck-Schmidt : “For me, BILD is Europe’s most exciting media brand, representing relevant, bold, and accessible journalism for decades. Together with the outstanding teams, I want to further expand our unique relevance and exceptional market strength – fueled by economic momentum, new technologies, and the ‘anything is possible’ mentality that defines BILD.”

Director Communications BILD Group, Deputy Company Spokesperson