Krone and Mediaprint are restructuring their executive teams. Gerhard Valeskini will exit as managing director at the end of September. Clemens Schwaiger steps in to lead commercial operations.
Media professionals tracking executive changes in Austria’s publishing sector will note a significant shift at the “Krone” and Mediaprint. Gerhard Valeskini, who has served as managing director, will leave both organizations at the end of September by his own decision. This move triggers a realignment of leadership at both companies, with direct implications for commercial strategy and digital growth initiatives.
Clemens Schwaiger has already been appointed as the main managing director of the Krone Group as of July 1. He is tasked with accelerating digital expansion and developing new business lines. Schwaiger will also take over responsibility for the commercial divisions at Mediaprint, joining Richard Grasl and Michael Tillian in the executive team. Tillian continues to oversee financial operations within the Krone Group.
Valeskini’s tenure is credited with guiding the “Krone” through complex business and legal environments, including a peaceful resolution with Funke in 2025 after years of negotiations over ownership stakes in the “Kronenzeitung.” According to Christoph Dichand, Valeskini’s leadership was marked by strategic vision and a strong values-based approach, helping the company maintain stability during turbulent periods. Valeskini also played a key role in restructuring Mediaprint over the past six years, driving process improvements and boosting the effectiveness of its commercial units.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Valeskini said he helped shape the “Krone” into a multimedia leader in Austria, emphasizing courage, independence, and a clear sense of purpose. He highlighted the development of new offerings and a customer-focused approach across both the reader and advertising markets. Valeskini noted that both the Krone Group and Mediaprint achieved strong financial results in the past two fiscal years, making this a suitable moment for his professional transition. He expressed gratitude to the shareholders of Krone and Kurier for the opportunity to influence the companies’ direction.
Leadership transitions in European media are not uncommon, as seen when WDR discontinued a long-running program due to shifting audience dynamics, a move detailed in coverage of WDR’s programming changes. Such shifts often reflect broader strategic priorities and evolving market conditions.
