Not long after Bertelsmann's reorganization of its high command into executive and supervisory boards, Mark Wossner--the Bertelsmann CEO who on retirement was replaced by Thomas Middelhoff, and who then became the chairman of the supervisory board--is preparing an early departure from the group. His resignation, which takes effect on October 31, is attributed to his desire to take up "private entrepreneurial activity."
Reinhard Mohn, Bertelsmann's postwar owner and CEO, will step in to replace Wossner as chairman of the Bertelsmann Foundation, which was another hat the latter has been wearing. Meanwhile, Gerd Schulte-Hillon, board chairman of Bertelsmann's international periodical group Gruner + Jahr, will assume Wossner's responsibilities as chairman of the supervisory board come October.
Gutersloh sources, while expressing surprise at the circumstances of Wossner's departure, note that the change at the top will make it possible for a much-needed reorganization of the Bertelsmann Foundation; clearly, Mohn's takeover of the chairmanship of that hyperactive institution will pave the way for the recruitment of a full-time director. And the blowup in no way affects Bertelsmann's executive group, of which Middelhoff is clearly in command.
Wossner's younger brother, Frank, remains in charge of the Bertelsmann book group. Upon retirement next year, he will be replaced by Random's Peter Olson.
