DW appoints next Editor-in-Chief

The transition period will begin in September 2025, when Mathias Stamm starts his onboarding. Manuela Kasper-Claridge will remain in office until December 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth handover. By mid-October, Stamm will begin overseeing day-to-day operations.

Kasper-Claridge has served as DW's Editor-in-Chief since May 2020. Prior to that, she was Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head of Business, Science and Environment. She began her career at DW in 1992 as a reporter and editor and has played a pivotal role in shaping the broadcaster's development and success.

Nadja Scholz, DW Managing Director Programming, says: "Manuela is an exceptionally professional journalist and manager who has contributed to DW for decades in various leadership roles. Early on, she recognized the potential of forward-looking issues like environmental reporting and constructive journalism. She was also among the first to understand that our position at the forefront depends on high-quality digital journalism. With her sound judgment, dedication, and willingness to compromise, Manuela has made a significant and lasting mark on DW's programming."

Mathias Stamm was appointed by Managing Director of Programming, Nadja Scholz. He is currently leading the strategic restructuring of DW's editorial divisions. As part of this overhaul, core functions — including fact-checking, investigative journalism, data reporting, and the international correspondent network — are being consolidated to better and more quickly respond to the needs of audiences in DW's key target regions.

Scholz adds: "Mathias brings all the experience needed to lead such a diverse journalistic offering. I especially value his journalistic expertise and his strong commitment to digital transformation. He's a true enabler — someone who consistently seeks and finds solutions. His leadership style is transparent, open, and collaborative. Mathias is a passionate and pragmatic journalist with a clear sense of purpose, already driving innovation within DW. At a time when Germany is divided on many issues, I believe appointing an East German colleague as Editor-in-Chief of the country's international broadcaster sends a meaningful and important message."

About Mathias Stamm

Born and raised in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Mathias Stamm studied psychology in Greifswald before attending the German School of Journalism in Munich. Now 43, he joined DW in 2008 and has since worked as a reporter, editor-in-chief on duty, and editorial lead. He has overseen long-form reporting and investigative projects and developed content for younger audiences — both at DW and for "funk", the youth platform launched by ARD and ZDF in 2016. At DW, he most recently headed the cross-departmental Program Management unit and is currently steering the strategic reorganization of the Programming Directorate.

On his new role, Stamm says, "Becoming Editor-in-Chief of such a unique and important media organization means a great deal to me. As content creators at DW, we immerse ourselves daily in the diverse perspectives of our global audiences — and that's something I've always loved. Supporting our editorial teams in continuing to deliver tailored, impactful information to our users will be a challenge I look forward to. I'm excited to work with our outstanding colleagues at DW to counter disinformation, outsmart algorithms, and navigate a digital world transformed by AI."