The Supervisory Board of tonies SE, the globally leading interactive audio platform for children, has extended Tobias Wann’s mandate as Chief Executive Officer through the end of 2029. Wann took office on 1 January 2024, succeeding the company's founders, Patric Faßbender and Marcus Stahl. He has since driven a period of record profitable growth and strategic evolution as tonies scaled internationally.
Christian Bailly, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of tonies, says: “In less than two and a half years, Tobias Wann has led tonies’ evolution from category creator to global champion. His ability to set clear priorities, build a scalable organisation, and assemble the right team has produced outstanding results – all delivered in the midst of a volatile macro environment. Toniebox 2 opened tonies’ next era of product innovation and we are convinced that Tobias is the right leader for that chapter. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration.”
Since Tobias Wann assumed leadership, tonies increased group revenue from EUR 361 million (FY 2023) to EUR 630 million (FY 2025), while more than doubling the adjusted EBITDA margin from 4.0% to 8.6%. The period was defined by the launch of Toniebox 2 – the most significant product innovation in the company’s history and a reinvention of the very category tonies once created – and by a rapid global expansion, with international revenues now making up two-thirds of total sales. Milestone achievements during Wann’s tenure include the successful introduction of Toniebox 2, growing North America into tonies’ biggest market, a highly successful launch and expansion in Australia and New Zealand, and the company’s SDAX promotion in December 2025.
In addition, tonies expanded its Management Board with the appointments of Ginny McCormick (Chief Experience Officer), Christoph Frehsee (Chief Revenue Officer), and Hansjorg Muller (Chief Financial Officer) and, in December 2025, was promoted to the SDAX segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Tobias Wann, CEO of tonies, comments: “The past two and a half years were about building an ecosystem to pursue tonies’ strategic opportunity at scale. Now, we are focused on evolving tonies into a global icon, with ambition and commitment: The need we meet – a way for children to explore, play and grow independently – is only getting more important, and we are better positioned than ever to grow and lead the category our founders created. I am thankful for the trust of the Supervisory Board and for an outstanding team at tonies. We have everything we need to build an enduring brand for families around the world. That is what drives us.”
For the fiscal year 2026, tonies expects group revenue growth of more than 20% (in constant currency, cc) to EUR 760 million, North America revenue growth of more than 30% (cc) and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9 to 11%. The company will hold its first Capital Markets Day at London’s Science Museum on Thursday, June 18. Investors are welcome to attend in-person or virtually.
The extension of Wann's contract signals confidence in his strategic direction as tonies continues its global expansion. The transition from a founder-led company to professional management appears successful, with strong financial performance and product innovation. For the industry, tonies’ growth underscores the increasing demand for screen-free interactive audio entertainment for children, a trend that could reshape how children engage with media. The company’s international expansion, particularly in North America and Australia/New Zealand, demonstrates the global appeal of its platform. With the launch of Toniebox 2 and a robust pipeline of content from partners including Disney, Warner Bros., and NBC Universal, tonies is well-positioned to capture further market share. The expected revenue growth of over 20% in FY 2026 indicates continued momentum, benefiting investors and employees alike.
