The Business Development division at Ringier AG is being reorganized. The team, which previously reported directly to Alexander Theobald, COO of Ringier Switzerland and Managing Director of the Blick Group, will be led by Sascha Hilpert (35) with immediate effect. Hilpert holds a Master of Arts in Information, Media and Technology Management from the University of St. Gallen, and was with the Valora Group for a number of years, most recently as Head Business Development M&A at Valora Trade. Hilpert joined Ringier in 2016 as Project Manager in the Business Development division. He will continue to report to Alexander Theobald.

In his new function, Hilpert will also lead the International Monetization Unit. This is one of three units established last year, each made up of about 10 Ringier experts from a range of countries and divisions. Their primary purpose is to pool expertise and drive key initiatives within the Group.

Alexander Theobald, COO Ringier Switzerland and Managing Director of the Blick Group: ‘We are delighted that Sascha Hilpert is stepping into this position. We are convinced that he will be successful in leading both Business Development and the International Monetization Unit, and will further their development.’

Juan Barón, former head of the International Monetization Unit, has decided to leave the company. Barón served as Chief Digital Officer of the Blick Group for Ringier between 2015 and 2017, and has since focused on strategic and Group-wide issues.

Alexander Theobald: ‘We are very sorry that Juan Barón has decided to dedicate himself to new challenges beyond the Ringier Group. In his work for Ringier, he made a decisive contribution to the digital positioning of the company and the Blick Group. We wish him all the best for his professional and personal future.’

Ringier AG, Corporate Communications