New Work SE Company Profile

Background

New Work SE, formerly known as XING SE, is a German-based company dedicated to enhancing the professional lives of individuals and the success of companies through innovative networking and job-matching solutions. Founded in 2003 by Lars Hinrichs as OpenBC, the company rebranded to XING in 2006 and later to New Work SE in 2019, reflecting its commitment to fostering a better working world. As a subsidiary of Burda Digital GmbH, New Work SE operates several prominent brands, including XING, kununu, and InterNations, serving professionals across various sectors.

Key Strategic Focus

New Work SE's strategic focus centers on creating perfect matches between professionals and companies by leveraging qualitative and quantitative data. The company specializes in job matching and professional networking, utilizing key technologies to analyze professional experiences, personal strengths, and company cultures. Its primary markets include the German-speaking regions, where it aims to be the leading recruiting partner.

Financials and Funding

In 2023, New Work SE reported revenues of €306 million, a slight decrease from €313 million in 2022. The company has a history of strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Prescreen GmbH for €19 million in 2017 and InterNations GmbH for €11 million the same year. These acquisitions have been instrumental in expanding its service offerings and market reach.

Pipeline Development

New Work SE continually develops its service offerings to enhance user experience and meet market demands. Recent initiatives include XING's transformation into a jobs network, emphasizing job search functionalities, and kununu reaching over 10 million workplace insights, providing comprehensive employer reviews.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The company's technological platforms are designed to facilitate seamless connections between professionals and employers. XING serves as a comprehensive job network platform, while kununu offers in-depth employer reviews. InterNations provides a global community for expatriates. These platforms utilize proprietary algorithms and data analytics to deliver personalized job recommendations and insights, setting New Work SE apart in the industry.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at New Work SE comprises experienced professionals dedicated to driving the company's mission:

Petra von Strombeck: Chief Executive Officer since May 2020, bringing extensive experience in executive leadership.

Henning Rönneberg: Appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer in February 2025, overseeing financial and operational strategies.

Tom Bureau: Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2024, providing strategic oversight.

Leadership Changes

In February 2025, Henning Rönneberg was appointed as the new CFO and COO, succeeding Ingo Chu. Additionally, in 2024, Tom Bureau became the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, succeeding Dr. Thomas Vollmoeller.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The professional networking and job-matching industry is highly competitive, with significant growth potential driven by digital transformation and the increasing importance of online recruitment platforms. Companies in this sector are continually innovating to offer more personalized and efficient services to both job seekers and employers.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the market include:

LinkedIn: A global professional networking platform offering extensive job listings and networking opportunities.

StepStone GmbH: A German-based job board specializing in online recruitment services.

Indeed: An international job search engine aggregating job listings from various sources.

These competitors focus on connecting professionals with employers through various technologies and platforms, each with unique features and market approaches.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

New Work SE has engaged in strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings and market position. Notable acquisitions include kununu in 2013, Prescreen GmbH in 2017, and InterNations GmbH in 2017. These acquisitions have expanded the company's capabilities in employer reviews, applicant tracking systems, and expatriate networking, respectively.

Operational Insights

New Work SE's operational strategy emphasizes creating a fulfilling working environment, both internally and for its users. The company's headquarters, known as the "New Work Harbour," exemplifies this approach by offering flexible workspaces designed to foster collaboration and well-being. This commitment to innovative work environments serves as a competitive advantage in attracting top talent and enhancing productivity.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, New Work SE aims to strengthen its position as a leading recruiting partner in the German-speaking world by further enhancing its platforms and expanding its user base. The company plans to leverage data analytics and user insights to offer more personalized job-matching services and to explore new markets and technologies that align with its mission of creating a better working life.