United Internet AG has announced a change in its Management Board, with Chief Financial Officer Carsten Theurer deciding to end his tenure when his contract expires on December 31, 2026. The Supervisory Board and CEO Ralph Dommermuth expressed regret over his decision. Philipp von Bismarck, speaking on behalf of the Supervisory Board, thanked Theurer for his excellent and trusting cooperation, highlighting his key role in further developing the Group’s finance organization, corporate governance, capital market communications, and Group-wide shared service structures and systems.
Theurer commented, “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board and Mr. Dommermuth for the trust they have placed in me and for the consistently trusting cooperation over the past years. Playing an active role in shaping the further development of the United Internet Group has been a special and highly rewarding task for me.” He also expressed confidence in the Group’s future positioning and looks forward to contributing his experience in new entrepreneurial contexts while remaining connected as a member of the Supervisory Board of IONOS Group SE.
Andre Driesen will succeed Theurer as Chief Financial Officer on November 1, 2026. Driesen brings extensive experience in finance, corporate management, and M&A. As former CFO of Drillisch AG and subsequently of 1&1 Drillisch AG, he supported major strategic transactions and the merger of Drillisch and 1&1 through the end of 2019. His long tenure within the Group means he is familiar with United Internet’s structures and key business fields. In recent years, he has worked as an independent consultant and held supervisory positions. The appointment of Driesen is seen as a continuation of the organizational development of the Group and the focusing of its holding company functions.
This leadership transition matters for several reasons. United Internet AG is a leading European internet specialist with over 30 million fee-based customer contracts and over 38 million ad-financed free accounts. It operates a high-performance “Internet Factory” with around 10,400 employees and owns well-known brands such as 1&1, IONOS, STRATO, GMX, and WEB.DE. A change in CFO can influence financial strategy, investor confidence, and operational execution. Theurer’s departure after years of service and Driesen’s internal promotion signal stability and continuity, as Driesen’s deep familiarity with the Group’s operations and past M&A activity should ease the transition. For investors and industry watchers, the move underscores United Internet’s commitment to developing its holding company functions and maintaining strong financial leadership. The overlap period from November 1 to December 31, 2026, allows for a smooth handover, minimizing disruption. As the European internet market remains competitive, United Internet’s ability to retain top talent and execute its strategy will be crucial. The announcement, originally distributed via NEWMEDIAWIRE, provides transparency to stakeholders. Further details can be found in the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
