In a major leadership development for the German media landscape, It Works Group has announced that Julia Schleunung will officially step into the role of CEO on January 1, 2026. The news follows her departure from iq digital marketing, revealed earlier in September, and signals her strategic return to the out-of-home (OOH) advertising sector—a space she knows exceptionally well.
The transition marks a significant moment for It Works Group, one of the country’s largest independent agency networks specializing in public media. Schleunung succeeds Bernd Rabsahl, who led the company for more than eight years and played a crucial role in modernizing its digital capabilities. Rabsahl’s tenure included the bold acquisition and development of the company’s proprietary DSP/DMP—technology that eventually evolved into Locatrics, an all-in-one programmatic platform enabling data-driven planning and booking of OOH media across both digital and analog formats.
A Proven Media Leader Steps In
For It Works Group, Julia Schleunung brings more than two decades of deep expertise in media, marketing, and digital transformation. She spent over eight years at iq media marketing, where she first joined as Sales Director and later became Managing Director in 2019. During her leadership period, she strengthened the agency’s market presence and drove major mandate wins, including partnerships with the Spiegel Group and Mediahouse Berlin, known for iconic brands like Rolling Stone.
Her appointment signifies more than a leadership change—it represents a strategic leap forward. Schleunung’s track record in modernizing sales portfolios, expanding digital offerings, and building high-value partnerships positions her to accelerate It Works Group’s ambitions in the rapidly evolving OOH ecosystem.
A Return to Her Out-of-Home Roots
While her recent roles focused heavily on digital publishing and marketing innovation, Schleunung’s professional journey began in the out-of-home sector. She launched her media career in 2004 at Ströer, later taking on a leadership role at Mediaplus. Her return to OOH brings her back to familiar territory—but now with an even broader perspective.
Speaking on her appointment, Schleunung expressed both excitement and a forward-looking vision:
“I’m incredibly excited to be returning to the out-of-home world. Together with my colleagues at It Works Group, we will strengthen our role as the preferred partner for agencies and brands—combining unbiased consulting with intelligent technology. Our aim is to evolve Locatrics into an AI-powered platform for automated campaign management, one that adapts to diverse client needs while unlocking the full potential of public-space communication.”
A Successor Backed by Confidence and Trust
Outgoing CEO Bernd Rabsahl offered strong words of support, highlighting why Schleunung emerged as the top choice from the start:
“Julia was my preferred candidate from the very beginning. She knows both sides of the media business—the agencies and the marketers. She is approachable, innovation-driven, and has a hands-on mentality. She brings the right mix of experience, competence, energy, and strategic vision.”
As Rabsahl prepares to conclude his longstanding journey with It Works—having first joined as Managing Director in 1999—Schleunung’s leadership marks a fresh chapter. Her blend of seasoned expertise, digital acumen, and deep industry insight positions her to steer the It Works Group into a new era of AI-driven, data-powered OOH innovation.
With her appointment, the company not only reinforces its commitment to cutting-edge advertising technology but also signals its ambition to remain at the forefront of the public media sector in 2026 and beyond.
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