Eli Varn

Eli Varn began her professional career at strategy consultancy Booz Allen Hamilton, specializing in the media and entertainment sector. In this role, she worked primarily on international projects across Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. 

In 2009, she joined Burda as Director Operations. From 2015 onwards, she served as Managing Director of Burda Magazine Holding, where she was responsible for the strategic and operational development of the company's magazine business in Germany. In 2021, she became CFO and COO of BurdaVerlag, and at the end of 2022 she joined its executive management team before later assuming joint leadership of BurdaVerlag as Co-CEO alongside Manuela Kampp-Wirtz. 

In this role, Eli Varn was responsible for key business units and corporate functions. Under her leadership, BurdaVerlag significantly advanced the digital transformation of its brands and pioneered the use of artificial intelligence across editorial and commercial processes. 

On July 1, 2026, Eli Varn was appointed to Burda’s Executive Board, assuming responsibility for the company’s German media business. Drawing on her extensive experience in publishing, transformation, and technology, she is shaping the future development of Burda’s publishing operations. She was also appointed to the Executive Board of the German Publishers and Digital Publishers Association (MVFP) effective July 1, 2026. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of Immediate Media, Burda's UK-based publishing company.