Management change: Tonies recruits Netflix veteran as new CFO

The Düsseldorf-based audio platform provider is making a strategic C-level transition with Hansjörg Müller as successor to Jan Middelhoff.

Structured succession process for Tonies

After two years as CFO, Jan Middelhoff is leaving the Düsseldorf-based audio platform Tonies at the end of August for "personal reasons". The structured transition follows a thorough succession process that was initiated at the beginning of the year when Middelhoff informed the Supervisory Board of his departure. Middelhoff will accompany the company until the end of the year in an advisory capacity to ensure continuous financial management during the transition.

Netflix expertise boosts international expansion

Hansjörg Müller will take over responsibility for Finance, Investor Relations, Legal and Compliance as the new CFO from September 1. The former Netflix APAC CFO led the finance functions of the Asia-Pacific region at the streaming platform from March 2022 to August 2024. Müller's career profile includes further CFO positions at Electronic Arts and Procter & Gamble, giving him extensive experience in consumer goods and technology sectors. His role focuses on strengthening global corporate structures to support Tonies' international growth.

Continuity in corporate development

Middelhoff has been responsible for the finance function since May 2023, succeeding Florian Drabeck, who accompanied Tonies' successful IPO in November 2021. His five-year tenure at Tonies began in May 2020 as Managing Director International and Chief of Staff before the CFO promotion. "It has been a great honor to help shape this unique company and to be part of this extraordinary growth story - from the preparation of the IPO to the concept development for our profitable international growth," Middelhoff comments on his departure.

Strategic expansion of the Management Board

At the same time, Tonies is establishing a new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) position at board level from September 1. Christoph Frehsee, former President of Tonies USA, will assume this role on July 1, expanding the Board from three to four members. This structural adjustment reflects Tonies' strategic focus on revenue optimization and geographic expansion while at the same time professionalizing its management structures.