Axel Hefer

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Hefer's distinguished career has seen him working for a number of businesses across a range of different sectors. During this time, Hefer has worked across the globe and held influential roles in major companies like Trivago and Home24.

Entering the gaming industry in November 2023, Hefer first joined Tipico as COO. Shortly after, however, it was announced that he had been appointed as the company’s new CEO – taking over the role from Joachim Baca. 

EMPLOYMENT

Hefer began his professional journey at McKinsey in August 2000 as a Senior Associate. Over his four-and-a-half-year tenure at McKinsey, he specialised in TMT (Technology, Media and Telecommunications) as well as corporate finance, honing his skills in business strategy. 

In December 2004, Hefer took on a new role as an Investment Director at Permira – a role that he ultimately held for over six years. During this period, he gained experience in the industrial sector, splitting his time between Frankfurt and Hong Kong.  

In June 2011, Hefer transitioned to One Equity Partners, serving as a Partner for three years. This role also involved an international element and saw Hefer spending time in both Frankfurt and Tokyo.  

In May 2014, Hefer also became a Member of the Supervisory Board of FC Schalke 04. He held this role until June 2017.

Hefer’s move into the e-commerce sector began in October 2014 with his appointment as Managing Director, CFO and COO at Home24 in Berlin. He held these roles for a year and a half, before moving on in May 2016. 

Next, Hefer joined Trivago as Managing Director & CFO. Following on from his success in this role, he later became the Managing Director & CEO of the company in January 2020 – a role that he held for three and a half years. 

During his time at Trivago, Hefer also served as a Non-Executive Director at Spark Networks between November 2017 and August 2022, contributing his insights to the online dating sector.  

Additionally, he was also a Non-Executive Director at Patrizia from October 2021 to June 2024, focusing on asset management and real estate. 

In November 2023, Hefer joined Tipico as COO – a position that he held for 8 months before it was announced in June 2024 that he had been appointed as the company’s new CEO. 

“In recent years, Tipico has evolved from a start-up to the definitive market and technology leader in sports betting in Germany. I am eager to continue this success story with the Tipico team and the owners. Together we are committed to providing sports fans with the best and most secure betting experience, extending our market leadership, and achieving additional sustainable growth.” Axel Hefer