KKR, Axel Springer and AI: What does it take to lead Value Creation in the age of Artificial Intelligence? (#079)

This episode is a little different – recorded live at the
Journalistenclub in the Axel Springer Tower in Berlin, it captures
a rare conversation between two key figures behind one of the most
ambitious strategic partnerships in European private equity. Dr.
Sebastian Voigt and Jan Hasse from hy speak with Philipp Freise,
Co-Head of European Private Equity at KKR, and Dr. Julian Deutz,
CEO of Axel Springer Classifieds, about long-term value creation,
investment conviction and the practical use of AI across portfolio
companies. The discussion covers everything from growth strategies
and carve-outs to productivity gains, governance models and the
human side of AI transformation. “The first thing that you can do
as an owner is to make sure it's on the agenda, full stop,” says
Philipp Freise. “In any investments we make – when we research
them, when we execute them and when we own and lead them – we make
sure that this is top of the agenda.” Set against the backdrop of
the Axel Springer–KKR partnership and the recent carve-out of
StepStone and Aviv, this episode offers a unique perspective on how
leadership, capital and technological change intersect in private
markets. About the guests: Philipp Freise is Co-Head of European
Private Equity at KKR. He has led numerous investments in Europe
across media, technology and services, including the strategic
partnership with Axel Springer SE.Dr. Julian Deutz is CEO of Axel
Springer Classifieds and a long-time member of the Executive Board
of Axel Springer SE. He previously served as Group CFO for over a
decade and helped shape the company’s digital transformation.