Media Giant Axel Springer Expands into the UAE with New Abu Dhabi Director

European media and technology conglomerate Axel Springer is expanding into the UAE for the first time by appointing a new Middle East managing director based in Abu Dhabi.

Frank Mahlberg, currently serving as chief operating officer of Germany's Bild Group, will assume the newly created role in the capital on October 1.

Established in 1946 and headquartered in Berlin, Axel Springer has strengthened its media portfolio in recent years to position itself at the forefront of digital and AI-supported journalism. In April, the company completed the purchase of the UK's Telegraph Media Group—the publisher of The Daily Telegraph—from RedBird IMI in a £575 million ($782 million) deal. RedBird IMI had originally acquired the Telegraph titles and The Spectator magazine in 2023, but a retrospective change in British law required the consortium to find a new buyer. The Spectator was subsequently sold for £100 million to hedge fund manager Paul Marshall.

RedBird IMI operates as a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners, a New York-based private-equity firm founded and led by Gerry Cardinale, and IMI. IMI serves as the parent company of quality news outlets such as The National and maintains its headquarters in the UAE.

As a family-owned media firm, Axel Springer also publishes prominent titles including Bild, Business Insider, and Politico. Claudius Senst, executive board member for publishing at Axel Springer, emphasized the importance of the company's move into the UAE. “Today, the United Arab Emirates ranks among the world’s foremost destinations for technology and innovation,” he noted. “We want to be closer to the developments that may become relevant to our brands and businesses.”

Axel Springer has already initiated its presence in the region by investing in The Circuit, a newsletter covering business and technology trends across the Middle East, alongside providing tailored briefings for institutions, companies, and industry events.

Mr Mahlberg will coordinate Axel Springer's activities throughout the Emirates and represent the enterprise across the wider region. His responsibilities will involve forging new partnerships and pinpointing growth opportunities for the company's brands and products. “Axel Springer will use its presence in this dynamic region to build new relationships and partnerships for our brands and businesses,” stated Mr Mahlberg. “We look forward to exploring the potential of this market as part of our values-driven growth strategy.”