Dr. Thomas Middelhoff is one of the best-known top German managers of the 1990s and 2000s. As CEO of Bertelsmann, he drove the international expansion of the media group and was significantly involved in major deals that earned him worldwide recognition. He later took over the management of other listed companies and was long regarded as a symbol of global management success. But after a serious cut with professional and personal breaks and a prison sentence, a profound change began for him. Today, he talks openly about his experiences with power, responsibility, failure and new beginnings. His life path not only shows the heights of an international career, but also the opportunity to repent and reflect on new values. In doing so, he combines global economic experience with a very personal message about humility and resilience.
Bertelsmann
As a board member (1994-2002), he was responsible for developing the strategy. As CEO (1998-2002) of Bertelsmann, Thomas positioned the company as a pioneer in digital media and as one of the world's largest media conglomerates.
AOL
Thomas managed Bertelsmann's Internet and digital activities and was responsible for the joint venture with AoL in 1995. He then became a board member of AoL Inc. (1995-2000).
Investcorp
From 2002 to 2005, he led the European activities of global private equity investor Investcorp.
Arcandor
Thomas Middelhoff was appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Arcandor AG in 2004. In 2005, he became CEO of Arcandor AG and received a three-year contract to save the company. In 2008, his contract was extended by one year at the request of the employee representatives.
The New York Times
Thomas was a board member of the New York Times (2003-2014). In this position, he oversaw the transformation of the New York Times into a digital newspaper.
