Gunther Schunk joins the Vogel Foundation full-time – Tim Bartl becomes the new CCO of the Vogel Communications Group

The Vogel Communications Group (VCG) has evolved from a specialist media company into a leading B2B communications partner. This transformation will require greater visibility for the group in the market going forward—with even greater clarity and reach. Communication is the strategic success factor that ensures and further accelerates the strong growth of the group, which comprises 15 companies. VCG sees itself as a group of companies operating nationally and internationally to deliver effective B2B communication—a claim that is also underscored by the current corporate campaign:

“Home Base B2B – where good communication is at home”

Effective July 1, Tim Bartl (45) will assume responsibility for corporate communications as Chief Communications Officer (CCO); he previously served as Director of Strategic Projects & Brand Advocate at VCG. “Our strong evolution into a customer-centric communications partner will gain additional momentum as we make its benefits even more clearly visible to our target audiences. That is why we are expanding the reach of our messages—making them concise, recognizable, and cross-channel,” says Matthias Bauer, CEO of the Vogel Communications Group.

Dr. Gunther Schunk (59), previously Director of Public Relations at VCG, is stepping down from his role overseeing communications for the corporate group after approximately 20 years and will henceforth devote himself full-time to his duties on the board of the Vogel Foundation Dr. Eckernkamp.

The Vogel Foundation has also grown significantly in recent years—in depth, breadth, and impact. This increased responsibility demands his full attention. The transition has been in the works for some time and will strategically strengthen the foundation. “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Gunther for his many years of extraordinary dedication. He has played a key role in shaping the further development of our corporate group through his communication efforts and is handing over a strong network to Tim,” says Matthias Bauer: “At the same time, I am delighted that Gunther will now be devoting his full experience to the Vogel Foundation and further expanding its impact.”

Photo: Gunther Schunk (left) is handing over corporate communications at the Vogel Group to Tim Bartl after 20 years; Bartl will become VCG’s new Chief Communications Officer effective July 1.

Photo credit: K. Heyer/Studioline Photography/Composed by A. Weißenberger

The Vogel Communications Group is the cornerstone of successful B2B communication. With its brand awareness campaign “Home Base B2B – where good communication is at home,” launched in early 2026, the group is positioning itself as a leading platform that unites its diverse portfolio of media, agency, event, and service offerings under a strong umbrella brand. The concept of “Home Base B2B” represents a solid foundation from which many communication channels and innovations take off—much like space ships that launch from their station to reach the seemingly unattainable.

With 920 employees and approximately €120 million in revenue, Vogel Communications Group (VCG) is a leading provider of B2B communications and specialized information. The international group has 11 locations in German-speaking countries and operates globally through licensing partners, with a particular focus on China. VCG offers an in-house network of nine communications agencies and service companies. It is firmly established with approximately 110 trade media outlets across five business sectors: automotive, industry, information technology, law/business/tax, and B2B communications/marketing. For professional and successful corporate communications, VCG offers over 250 services, over 100 digital platforms and communities, as well as over 300 business events per year and access to target audiences in approximately 25 industries.

The Vogel Foundation Dr. Eckernkamp was founded in 2000 by Würzburg-based publisher Dr. Kurt Eckernkamp and his wife, Nina Eckernkamp-Vogel. The foundation focuses its support on four areas of activity: education, science, medicine, and culture. Particular areas of emphasis include dementia research, cancer research, mental health, and issues related to digitalization. Participation in life—across all generations—is at the heart of the foundation’s work. The corporate-affiliated foundation holds a 25% stake in VCG and will award grants totaling 1.2 million euros in the Würzburg region in 2026.