The European publishing landscape is seeing a strategic shift in leadership as Stefanie Jaksch Molden Verlag announces a recent partnership to steer the future of one of its most traditional imprints. Starting in mid-May 2026, Stefanie Jaksch will join the Molden Verlag, an imprint of the Styria Media Group, to capture over responsibility for the house’s program.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the industry, as publishers grapple with rapid digital transformation and shifting consumer habits. Jaksch, a seasoned literary professional known as a “word worker” (Wortarbeiterin), will bring a blend of independent entrepreneurial experience and institutional knowledge to the role. Her arrival is designed to inject new innovation into a house that prides itself on its long-standing history.
The collaboration is described as a close and permanent arrangement, allowing Jaksch to integrate her expertise while maintaining her identity as an independent professional. This move signals a modern approach to publishing leadership, blending the stability of a large media group like Styria with the agility of independent curation.
Leadership Transition at Molden Verlag
Stefanie Jaksch will not be leading the program alone; she will share responsibility with Susanne Falk. Together, they will oversee the editorial direction and strategic growth of the Molden Verlag. This partnership marks the end of an era for the imprint, as the previous co-program manager, Ulli Steinwender, prepares to retire from her position as reported in recent personnel updates.
The transition is viewed by the parent company as a tactical move to ensure the imprint remains competitive. Matthias Opis and Elisabeth Stein-Hölzl, the publishers of the Styria Group, emphasized that Jaksch’s background as an “inspiring book enthusiast” is essential for their current goals. In an official statement, they noted: “This strengthens our ambition to meet the upheavals in the book market with initiative and innovations. As: we have a lot planned together!” via Styria Media Group.
For Jaksch, the role is both a commitment to tradition and a forward-looking challenge. She has stated that her work is “committed to the spirit and history of the publishing house” while acknowledging the “rapidly changing world of publishing.” Her guiding principles for the new role include a steadfast belief in the book as a medium, its capacity for change, and a fundamental trust in the power of strong storytelling.
A Diverse Portfolio: The Background of Stefanie Jaksch
Stefanie Jaksch enters the Molden Verlag with a multifaceted career that spans various sectors of the literary and cultural world. Born in Erlangen, Germany, Jaksch has spent years cultivating a deep understanding of how books move from conception to the reader. Her professional history includes roles as a dramaturg, a bookseller, and a publishing manager according to her professional biography.
Before her current appointment, Jaksch served as the program and publishing manager at Kremayr & Scheriau, a role that provided her with significant institutional experience in high-level editorial management. In 2024, she pivoted toward a more independent path, establishing herself as a freelance moderator, curator, and author. During this period, she founded “In Worten,” an office dedicated to literature and cultural work.
Her entrepreneurial spirit culminated in the autumn of 2025 when she became the publisher of Wasser Publishing. This venture allowed her to experiment with independent publishing models, a perspective she now brings to the Styria Group. In addition to her managerial roles, Jaksch is an active creator; her recent works include the essay “Über das Helle” and the anthology “bluten,” which she co-edited with Magdalena Stammler and released in August 2025.
Innovation in the Publishing Sector
The appointment of Stefanie Jaksch is more than a simple personnel change; it is a response to the “upheavals” currently facing the book market. The publishing industry is currently navigating a complex environment where traditional print models must coexist with digital consumption and new forms of literary curation. By bringing in a leader who operates as both a corporate manager and an independent “word worker,” Styria is positioning Molden Verlag to be more adaptable.
The focus on “innovation” mentioned by Opis and Stein-Hölzl suggests a willingness to explore new formats or distribution strategies. Jaksch’s experience with her own publishing house, Wasser Publishing, likely provides her with insights into niche marketing and lean publishing operations that can be scaled within a larger organization.
the collaborative leadership model—sharing responsibility between Jaksch and Susanne Falk—indicates a move toward a more distributed management style. This approach allows the imprint to balance the preservation of its “traditions” with the need for “initiative” in a volatile market.
Key Takeaways: The New Era of Molden Verlag
- New Leadership: Stefanie Jaksch joins as program lead starting mid-May 2026, co-managing with Susanne Falk.
- Strategic Transition: Jaksch replaces Ulli Steinwender, who is entering retirement.
- Diverse Expertise: Jaksch brings experience from Kremayr & Scheriau, her own venture Wasser Publishing, and her work as a freelance curator and author.
- Corporate Goal: The Styria Media Group aims to counter book market disruptions through innovation and proactive initiative.
- Philosophical Approach: Jaksch emphasizes the “transformability” of the book medium and the enduring power of storytelling.
As the industry looks toward the second half of 2026, the success of this leadership transition will likely be measured by Molden Verlag’s ability to modernize its catalog without alienating its traditional readership. The integration of an independent publisher into a corporate structure represents a growing trend in European media, where agility is prized as much as scale.
The next official milestone for the house will be the formal commencement of Jaksch’s duties in mid-May 2026, at which point the specific strategic directions and new program initiatives are expected to be unveiled.
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