PIA’s CEO exits as leadership shift reshapes marketing group’s future

PIA, a marketing and communications group formed in 2014, has seen a change in leadership with the departure of CEO Christian Sellmann. After joining the company in 2023, Sellmann left in early 2026 to take on a new role at a Sweden-based IT firm. Meanwhile, Sascha Steffens continues as CFO, maintaining stability amid the transition.

PIA began as a consolidation of several agencies under private equity firm Equistone. By 2023, it had grown to employ 1,100 people. Equistone later sold parts of the business, including United Digital Group, which was acquired by MSQ Partners in 2024.

Christian Sellmann brought experience from a leading media company when he became PIA’s CEO in 2023. His exit in early 2026 marked a shift, as he moved to Group One, a Swedish IT company, as Group Chief Commercial Officer. Before this, his most recent public role had been Managing Director at Handelsblatt GmbH in 2021. Marc Arens, a Senior Partner at Equistone, highlighted Sellmann’s impact at PIA. He praised the former CEO’s work in advancing digital innovation and creating customer-focused solutions. Despite the leadership change, the company retains Sascha Steffens as CFO, ensuring continuity in financial operations.

Sellmann’s departure leaves PIA under the financial guidance of Steffens, who remains in place. The company’s structure has evolved since its founding, with Equistone gradually reducing its stake. For now, PIA’s focus stays on maintaining its position in the marketing and communications sector.