I am pleased to share an invitation from ESMT Berlin and HEC Alumni to join us for a special evening in Cologne with Tobias Wann, CEO of tonies.

Tobias Wann has had a remarkably diverse entrepreneurial and leadership journey – from founding an IT-security company while still a student, to leading businesses in IT security, online travel, and consumer goods.

During his studies, he founded an IT-security company that US technology group VeriSign later acquired. After around ten years in IT security, Tobias moved into the online travel industry, first as General Manager of HomeAway, now part of Expedia, and subsequently as CEO of the Dutch Leisure Group. He then moved into fintech, serving as CEO of Munich-based Xempus AG, before taking over as CEO of tonies in January 2024. At tonies, he is now leading a company that has created an entirely new category of screen-free audio experiences for children.

Tobias will be in conversation with Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT Berlin. The evening promises an open and personal discussion about leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, changing industries and the challenges of building and scaling successful businesses.

The discussion will be followed by a networking mixer with fellow HEC and ESMT alumni and guests.

Thursday, 15 October 2026
6:00 p.m.

Flossbach von Storch SE, Floor 26
Ottoplatz 1, 
50679 Cologne

HEC Alumni are warmly invited to join this special evening. Registration is required.

Arnaud BECUWE
President HEC Alumni Germany

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Please feel free to forward this invitation to any newcomers among the HEC Alumni you may know.

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