Verena Gründel - Director of Brand & Communications - DMEXCO

Verena Gründel is a leading figure in the European digital marketing and media landscape. As of 2026, she serves as the Director of Brand & Communications for DMEXCO (Digital Marketing & Exposition), one of the world's largest digital industry events held annually in Cologne.The Voice of DMEXCO: Beyond her leadership role on the management board, she is the official host and face of the brand. She hosts the DMEXCO Podcast, where she interviews global C-level executives, CMOs, and tech disruptors on topics like agentic AI, retail media, and sustainable digital growth.Editorial Background: Before joining DMEXCO in late 2023, she was the Editor-in-Chief of W&V (Werben & Verkaufen), Germany's most influential trade publication for marketing, media, and tech. Her tenure there established her as a top authority on brand transformation and digital trends.Journalistic Roots: A trained journalist with a background in biology, she spent over 15 years reporting on the digital industry. She is known for her ability to "decode" complex tech buzzwords into actionable business strategies.Moderation & Speaking: She is a frequent moderator for high-level industry events and panels (such as the Horizont Snowmasters), focusing on female leadership, personal branding, and the future of work.Digital Transformation: Her current work focuses heavily on how companies can use data, creativity, and technology (specifically AI) to drive real business impact rather than just chasing hype.Industry Advocacy: She is a member of the MMA (Marketing & Media Alliance) and is deeply involved in shaping the strategic positioning of the digital economy in Europe.In her recent podcast episodes and speaking engagements, Verena has been particularly vocal about:Agentic AI: The shift from "chatbots" to autonomous AI agents that can handle full customer journeys.Retail Everywhere: How commerce is moving away from traditional websites and into AI conversations and social surfaces.Female Leadership: Mentoring the next generation of women in the tech and agency worlds.