Observed Signal · Jan 26, 2026 · Leadership Change · Source: Adzine · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Tom Peruzzi Exits Virtual Minds Management After Successful Tenure
Tom Peruzzi will leave the management of Freiburg-based adtech firm Virtual Minds at the end of January 2026, stepping down at his own request. Operational leadership will be assumed jointly by existing co-managing directors Dirk von Borstel and Ricarda Jebsen, with the company stating it will continue its current strategic course without a personnel reboot. Peruzzi joined Virtual Minds in 2017 as CTO and became spokesperson of the management in 2021. During his tenure the leadership team pursued a strategic expansion including technological integration of a modular programmatic full‑tech stack under the Virtual Minds brand, the development and market launch of the Media Manager product, and expansion into European markets beyond the DACH region. Peruzzi also participated in industry bodies such as BVDW and IAB Europe. Markus Messerer of Seven.One Media/Prosiebensat.1 commented on Peruzzi’s contributions and expressed regret at his departure.
Company-level leadership change at an adtech vendor; relevant to Virtual Minds' operations and continuity but not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Tom Peruzzi will leave Virtual Minds' management at the end of January 2026 at his own request.
- Dirk von Borstel and Ricarda Jebsen will take over operational responsibility as joint co-managing directors.
- Peruzzi joined Virtual Minds in 2017 as CTO and became spokesperson of the management in 2021.
- Under Peruzzi the company advanced integration of a modular Programmatic Full-Tech-Stack, developed and launched the Media Manager, and initiated expansion into European markets outside the DACH region.
- Peruzzi was active in industry associations including BVDW and IAB Europe; shareholder Prosiebensat.1 (via Seven.One Media) publicly thanked him.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Tom Peruzzi takes over global publisher business at Adform
Danish ad tech company Adform has appointed Tom Peruzzi as Senior Vice President Publishers, effective November 2. Peruzzi, former CEO of ProSiebenSat.1-owned Virtual Minds, will lead the global publisher and marketer business, aiming to expand publisher partnerships and further develop Adform's sell-side offerings. Adform seeks to better integrate its buy-side and sell-side operations, positioning itself as a European technology partner for publishers prioritizing data and technology sovereignty. Peruzzi left Virtual Minds in January 2026 and now joins Adform to build on its integrated platform and grow its sell-side business.
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