Norbert Ohl will remain as a consultant after handing over the reins of ppi Media to joint managing directors Hauke Berndt and Markus Feldenkirchen.

With Jan Kasten, new board members Berndt and Feldenkirchen will be able to draw on the 20 years experience as managing director of Norbert Ohl for a further year, following the handover on July 1.

The Hamburg-based software company says it will be breaking new ground "in terms of both strategy and personnel" with the changes while leaving its commitment to quality, reliability and staff untouched. It will also enable a new approach to digitising its products, strengthening partnerships and acquiring new customers.

In addition to his sales experience, Berndt is responsble for a number of new ideas and suggestions: "I look forward to working more closely with our customers and in particular to maintaining contact with our existing customers," he says. His new role as managing director is in addition to responsibility for sales operations.

Berndt joined ppi in 2002 and has helped drive expansion into new markets, including magazine and corporate production, where he played a leading role in product development.

Feldenkirchen brings first-hand experience of disruptive change in the US media industry to his role, where he will focus primarily on strategic direction and the changes this involves. He will remain as chief executive of ppi Media US.

Feldenkirchen worked for Axel Springer and the Berliner Wochenblatt before joining ppi in 1999 to set up the consulting department. He took over business operations in North America in 2005, and plays a key role in developing products to help publishers monetise print and digital services.

Kasten has led the development, support, quality assurance, documentation and training departments since 2014.

Pictured: (from left) Kasten, Ohl, Berndt and Feldenkirchen