United Internet AG Announces CFO Transition: Carsten Theurer to Depart, Andre Driesen to Succeed

United Internet AG, a leading European internet specialist with over 30 million fee-based customer contracts and more than 38 million ad-financed free accounts, has announced a significant change in its management board. Chief Financial Officer Carsten Theurer has decided, at his own request, to end his tenure when his contract expires on December 31, 2026. The Supervisory Board and CEO Ralph Dommermuth expressed regret over his decision. Andre Driesen will succeed Theurer as CFO effective November 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition period.

Philipp von Bismarck, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, praised Theurer's contributions: “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Theurer for the excellent and trusting cooperation over the past years. With great personal commitment, Mr. Theurer has played a key role in further developing the Group’s finance organization during his tenure on the Management Board and has provided important impetus for corporate governance, capital market communications, and the further development of Group-wide shared service structures and systems.” Theurer reflected on his time, stating, “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board and Mr. Dommermuth for the trust they have placed in me... I believe the United Internet Group is very well positioned for its further development.” He will remain connected to the Group as a member of the Supervisory Board of IONOS Group SE.

The appointment of Andre Driesen brings deep institutional knowledge. Driesen previously served as CFO of Drillisch AG and later 1&1 Drillisch AG, where he supported major strategic transactions and the merger of Drillisch and 1&1 through the end of 2019. His familiarity with the United Internet Group, its structures, and key business fields positions him to continue the company's organizational development and focus on holding company functions. This leadership change matters for Texas businesses because United Internet's brands, such as 1&1, IONOS, STRATO, GMX, and WEB.DE, serve millions of customers and could influence the competitive landscape in web hosting, cloud services, and digital communications—areas where Texas tech firms and entrepreneurs often partner or compete. The transition, originally reported via NEWMEDIAWIRE, underscores the importance of stable financial leadership in maintaining operational excellence. For the full release, see www.newmediawire.com.

With around 10,400 employees, United Internet’s “Internet Factory” model relies on strong financial stewardship. The overlapping tenures of Theurer and Driesen from November to December 2026 should facilitate a seamless handover, minimizing disruption. Texas readers in the technology and telecommunications sectors should monitor how this change affects United Internet’s strategic investments, particularly in cloud infrastructure and digital services that intersect with Texas’s growing tech ecosystem. The continuity provided by Driesen’s prior experience within the Group suggests that United Internet will maintain its trajectory of growth and innovation, reinforcing its role as a key player in the European internet market and a potential bellwether for global industry trends.