Meet the MPS Management Board

When we hear about executive shifts in the European automotive publishing sector, it often feels like a distant ripple. However, for those of us here in Detroit, Michigan, the “Motor City,” these structural changes at an entity like Motor Presse Stuttgart (MPS) are more than just corporate footnotes. In a city where the legacy of the Substantial Three—Ford, GM, and Stellantis—defines our skyline and our economy, the way automotive media transforms globally directly mirrors the digital disruption we feel right here on Woodward Avenue. The recent strategic reorganization at MPS, specifically the elevation of Markus Eiberger and the introduction of a “Leadership Council 20,” signals a broader industry pivot toward agility and transformation that resonates with the current climate of the Detroit automotive ecosystem.

The Strategic Shift: From Traditional Management to Transformation

The reorganization at Motor Presse Stuttgart is not merely a change of names on a door. it is a calculated move toward operational modernization. The appointment of Markus Eiberger to the Management Board is a pivotal detail. Eiberger, a business graduate who has been with Motor Presse Stuttgart in various leadership roles since 1997, brings a deep institutional memory paired with a mandate for growth. His role as the head of overall marketing (Gesamtvermarktung) and his position as deputy to Michael Samak suggest a consolidation of revenue streams and market strategy.

This move coincides with the departure of Jonas Petrich, who previously led the personnel and legal departments before transitioning to WGV-Versicherung in December. When a company replaces a legal and HR lead with a marketing and revenue powerhouse in the board, it typically indicates a shift from “maintenance and compliance” to “growth and acquisition.” For professionals in Detroit, This represents a familiar pattern. We have seen similar pivots within the corridors of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as the region shifts its focus from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturing to the EV and software-defined vehicle era.

The “Leadership Council 20” and the Change Process

Perhaps the most intriguing development is the creation of the “Leadership Council 20.” According to reports, this body is specifically designed to tackle transformation projects, growth initiatives, and change processes. This is a classic “agile” organizational structure, designed to bypass traditional corporate bureaucracy to accelerate decision-making. In the context of automotive media, this likely means a faster transition to digital-first revenue models and a departure from legacy print dependencies.

This structural evolution reflects a global trend where the “gatekeepers” of automotive information are no longer just publishers, but data and experience providers. As we see the influence of the Detroit Auto National Historic Museum and the ongoing evolution of the North American International Auto Show, it becomes clear that the narrative of the car is changing. MPS is attempting to lead this change by empowering a specialized council to drive these “change processes” rather than relying on a static board of directors.

Connecting the Macro Trend to the Detroit Reality

Why does a board change in Stuttgart matter to a resident of Metro Detroit? Because the automotive world is a closed loop. The strategies employed by European media giants often precede the shifts in how global brands market their vehicles to American consumers. When MPS focuses on “transformation,” they are reacting to the same pressures that the University of Michigan’s automotive research labs are studying: the intersection of AI, sustainability, and user experience.

The move by Markus Eiberger to capture on additional responsibilities as the deputy to Michael Samak highlights a trend toward concentrated leadership during volatile periods. In Detroit, we call this “steadying the ship.” Whether it is a media house in Germany or a parts supplier in Warren, the goal remains the same: surviving the transition from a hardware-centric industry to a software-centric one. For those navigating these waters, understanding the industry analysis of global players provides a roadmap for local adaptation.

Second-Order Effects on the Local Economy

The ripple effect of these changes often manifests in the B2B sector. As media companies like MPS pivot their marketing strategies, the demand for specialized digital transformation consultants increases. This creates a vacuum that local Detroit firms—specializing in automotive software and digital marketing—can fill. The “transformation” mentioned by MPS is essentially a call for new competencies in data analytics and digital monetization, areas where Detroit’s burgeoning tech scene is increasingly competitive.

the departure of executives like Jonas Petrich to the insurance sector (WGV-Versicherung) underscores the fluidity of the modern executive market. We see similar movements here, where automotive veterans move into fintech or green energy, bringing their operational expertise to new domains. This cross-pollination of skills is essential for the long-term resilience of the professional services sector in Michigan.

Navigating the Transformation: Local Resource Guide

Given my background in executive geo-journalism and industry analysis, I recognize that when global shifts in “transformation and growth” occur, local business owners and professionals in Detroit often feel the pressure to modernize their own operations to stay relevant. If the trend toward digital transformation and organizational restructuring is impacting your business here in Metro Detroit, you don’t need a global board—you need specific local expertise.

Depending on your specific challenge, here are the three types of local professionals you should be consulting to ensure your business doesn’t gain left behind in the “change process”:

Digital Transformation Strategists

Gaze for consultants who specifically have a track record in the “Automotive Tech” or “Industry 4.0” space. Avoid generalists. You need a professional who understands the specific integration of legacy hardware with modern SaaS (Software as a Service) models, especially those with experience navigating the regulatory environment of the State of Michigan.

Organizational Change Management Specialists

If you are implementing a “Council” style leadership structure similar to the one at MPS, you need an expert in change management. Look for practitioners certified in Prosci or similar methodologies who have experience with mid-to-large scale manufacturing firms. The criteria should be their ability to reduce “employee friction” during a pivot in company direction.

Corporate Governance and Transition Attorneys

When shifting leadership roles or redefining board responsibilities, the legal framework must be airtight. Seek out attorneys specializing in corporate governance within the Detroit metropolitan area. Ensure they have specific experience with executive contracts and the legalities of “deputy” roles to avoid the ambiguities that often plague rapid organizational restructuring.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated professional services experts in the Detroit area today.