Our Management
The management of PIA Media unites experienced executives with expertise, innovative spirit, and passion for the digital world.
Axel Schönau
CEO
My most significant milestones
I have held the position of Chief Executive Officer at PIA Media since 2023.
Previous positions:
• Managing Director, Blue Summit Media GmbH
• Managing Director, Tradedoubler
• Managing Director, Big Mouth Media
Role at PIA Media
I am a customer-focused manager. My primary responsibility is to establish an environment for all employees at PIA Media that encourages them to achieve optimal performance.
Passion for my role
I enjoy engaging with individuals and addressing the diverse demands of our projects. I find our industry intriguing, as it continually evolves and presents new opportunities.
Maria Gut
Executive Director Operations
My most significant milestones
I have been employed at PIA Media since 2011, having previously worked at Blue Summit Media GmbH. I currently serve as Executive Director Operations.
Previous positions:
• Partner at Semantique Web GmbH while concurrently self-employed
• Head of Online Production at PAYBACK GmbH, formerly known as Loyalty Partner GmbH.
Role at PIA Media
I oversee the heads of the Search, Social Media, and Affiliate Marketing departments. My primary responsibilities include communication, process control, and optimization.
Passion for my role
The individuals with whom I collaborate daily play a vital role in my job satisfaction. Their exceptional expertise represents the foundation of our agency. They promote an open and inclusive environment where all inquiries are encouraged, allowing us to identify targeted solutions for every challenge.
Tobias Henning
Managing Director
PIA Advertising
My most significant milestones
Since 2022, I have served as Managing Director and Director of Social Advertising at PIA Advertising. Previous positions:
• Managing Director of Account Management and Lead Media, Oddity
• Director of Performance Marketing, Paid Search, Social Advertising, and Amazon Advertising, iProspect
• Team Lead of Search Marketing, QUISMA/GroupM.
Role at PIA Media
I am responsible for the development of our products, the expansion of core business, and the overall management of media buying and planning.
My responsibilities also include strategic media consulting in programmatic and other digital media across various industries, as well as establishing partnerships with key technology and media stakeholders.
Passion for my role
PIA Advertising plays a pivotal role in shaping the programmatic media channels we manage for our clients. Leading this forward-looking direction with a team of experts is a remarkable opportunity.
Matthias Hoyer
Managing Director
My most significant milestones
I have served as the Managing Director at PIA Media since 2020.
Previous positions:
• Managing Director, UDG
• Managing Director, Robinizers
Role at PIA Media
I oversee all aspects of client service, client acquisition, and creation, positioning myself as the central interface between our customers and our creatives.
Passion for my role
Action and variety are essential to my work. Each day presents new opportunities, such as addressing business challenges, synchronizing internal trades, and maintaining oversight of financial metrics. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team of highly motivated individuals.
Christoph Schmidt
Managing Director & CTO
My most significant milestones
I have held the position of Chief Technology Officer at PIA Media
since 2023
Previous positions:
• SVP International Technology, Warner Music Group
• Consultant Tech, Digital & Strategy, Boston Consulting Group
• Research Analyst, SAP SE
Role at PIA Media
I lead the technology division, focusing on innovative advertising technology, data, and analytics solutions. We develop external software products, manage our media agency systems, and support our colleagues with their digital workplace. I collaborate closely with our CEO, Axel, on our strategic direction.
Passion for my role
I am privileged to be a part of a dynamic, international, and creative team. The field of digital performance marketing is evolving rapidly. I am eager to collaborate with over 80 talented individuals to develop innovative solutions for our customers. Our focus is on optimization and innovation. My passion for technology and creativity motivates me daily.
Sebastian Sommerer
Managing Director
My most significant milestones
I have been with PIA Media since 2023 and currently serve as Managing Director in Munich.
Previous positions include:
• CEO and Founder, Blue Summit Media GmbH and Founding Member of Performance Interative Alliance
• Head of Sales, Big Mouth Media
Role at PIA Media
I am responsible for human resources, marketing, sales, and new business, as well as overseeing the Munich location, which has more than 100 employees. I particularly appreciate the diversity of my tasks and the daily interactions with my colleagues.
Passion for my role
I appreciate my role due to the daily challenges it presents. In the People & Culture domain, I have the opportunity to make a substantial impact on employee well-being and acquire diverse insights that are unique to this environment.
Michael Schönherr
Managing Director
My most significant milestones
I have been with PIA Media since 2021, currently serving as Managing Director.
Previous positions include:
• Managing Director, YZ Digital
• Management and Authorized Representative, Blue Summit Media GmbH
• Head of Digital Marketing, Otto Austria
Role at PIA Media
As Managing Director with a focus on transformation and business development, I am responsible for advancing our full-funnel marketing and e-commerce strategy, concentrating on major advertising platforms. My emphasis is on integrating the digital marketing value chain with cloud and AI-GPT solutions to develop efficient, value-driven agency services and products within a targeted AI strategy. Additionally, I oversee the consulting unit, which addresses the comprehensive challenges and requirements of our clients in marketing.
Passion for my role
I am passionate about driving digital transformation in marketing and collaborating with creative teams to develop innovative solutions that leverage cloud and AI technologies, ultimately creating significant value for our customers.
Thomas Schröder
Executive Director Finance
My most significant milestones
I have served as Executive Director Finance at PIA Media since 2024, having previously held the same position at the PIA Group for three years.
Previous positions:
• Head of Finance & Controlling, Blue Summit Media GmbH
• Head of Accounts Payable and Group Accountant, eCircle GmbH
Role at PIA Media
I oversee the finance and controlling department. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, I am responsible for forecasts and budget preparation. Regular communication with the holding company’s CFO is also part of my role. As a board member, I am directly involved in shaping PIA Media’s strategy.
Passion for my role
I love my job because I can communicate with all areas at PIA Media and therefore get a comprehensive overview of the entire company. The opportunity to contribute and implement my own ideas makes my job very exciting.
My vision for the future is that we are one of the best addresses for digital data-driven marketing and that we can prove our claim ‘simplify marketing for you grow’ to existing and new customers every day.
Axel Schönau
CEO PIA Media