At Axel Springer, Politico’s New Owner, Allegations of Sex, Lies and a Secret Payment – The New York Times

At Axel Springer, Politico’s New Owner, Allegations of Sex, Lies and a Secret Payment (Published 2021)

A high-flying German media giant is ahead on digital media but seems stuck in the past when it comes to the workplace and deal-making.

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/17/business/media/axel-springer-bild-julian-reichelt.html

Mr. Döpfner, who once described himself “a mixture of aesthete and carpet salesman,” is an enthusiastic deal-maker who stands 6-foot-7. Under his leadership, Axel Springer has had elaborate holiday parties, including a disco night in 2018 that included 10 D.J.s, 512 disco balls and a joint performance by the Village People and company board members. His dance moves at one party left an impression on the company’s slacks-wearing partners at Politico. He also owns one of Germany’s leading collection of female nude paintings.