Colin Hauer's Location
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, Germany
About Colin Hauer
Entrepreneurial media executive driven by a lifelong passion for audio, innovation and culture.As CEO of Germany's leading audiobook publisher Hörbuch Hamburg, I'm on a mission to ensure the transformative power of audio storytelling continues to have the lasting cultural impact it deserves. My passionate team of 40 colleagues strives to combine cutting-edge innovation with dedication to exceptional quality, making Hörbuch Hamburg the perfect home for any author and preferred destination for listeners of all ages. Yes, we're good at topping the charts, winning awards and maximizing audience reach – but how we get there is what excites me. Driven by curiosity, creativity, close collaboration and love for what we do. I've been fortunate to work with some of the brightest minds in music, publishing and tech on shaping the digital reality we live in. Now, I'm excited about the future! Say hi if you want to chat about all things audio – or venture off-topic and find out how Freddie Mercury’s chest led to my career in music and which of my projects made it into a J.K. Rowling novel.🕺✨
Colin Hauer Work Experience Details
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CeoHörbuch HamburgHamburg, Hh, De -
CeoHörbuch Hamburg Hhv Gmbh Oct 2022 - PresentHamburg, Hh, DeOn a mission to ensure the transformative power of audio storytelling continues to have the lasting cultural impact it deserves. Since 1999, Hörbuch Hamburg has been at the forefront of Germany’s audiobook industry. From our offices in Hamburg-Ottensen and Berlin-Mitte, a passionate team of 40 colleagues continues to shape our success story. Yes, we're good at topping the charts, winning awards, and maximizing audience reach – but what truly excites me is how we get there: through curiosity, creativity, close collaboration and a deep love for what we do. Always striving to be the perfect home for any author and the preferred destination for listeners of all ages. -
Strategic AdvisorThe Aos Feb 2021 - Sep 2022Co-founded by Universal Music, THE AOS redefined audiobook publishing by uniting leading creators, authors and talents with experts from publishing, film, TV, tech and music. Together, we crafted immersive spoken worlds that pushed the boundaries of traditional formats.In my role as Strategic Advisor, I contributed to:- Shaping the company’s vision and positioning- Building partnerships with DSPs and brands- Sourcing bestselling authors and blockbuster content ideas- Identifying potential acquisition targets -
Lead Strategic ProjectsUniversal Music Deutschland Feb 2021 - Sep 2022Berlin, DeResponsible for leading strategic initiatives, creating new business opportunities and fostering tech partnerships. Collaborated closely with the President of Universal Music's Marketing Labs as well as label and unit heads.Some of my key achievements:- Developed and executed Universal Music's podcast strategy, leading to the creation of a dedicated podcast department and the production of several top-ranked shows with Germany's biggest artists and public figures- Contributed to the strategic investment in Digital Blast, innovators in interactive entertainment software solutions- Spearheaded initiatives in Web3, NFT, gaming and streaming, helping Universal Music explore new revenue streams -
Managing Partner (Exit)Gould Finch Audio Jun 2020 - Jul 2022Gould Finch Audio is a technology-driven audiobook publisher that began as a spin-off from the consulting firm Gould Finch. Aspiring to become an innovation leader in the audiobook space, the company initially used AI to identify promising titles before evolving into a dynamic digital publishing house. Its diverse portfolio spans gripping crime thrillers, heartfelt romances and political classics, championing both self-published authors and established works licensed from major publishers, alongside an array of original productions.I sold my stake in the business upon joining Hörbuch Hamburg. -
Managing Partner (Exit)Gould Finch Jun 2016 - Jul 2022Gould Finch began as a one-man consultancy, working with major clients like Apple, Sony, Warner and Bookwire to help them grow their digital businesses. Over time, I built a specialized team of eight strategists and industry experts, delivering innovative solutions across industries. Together, we tackled projects such as:- Developing go-to-market strategies for leading subscription services from the US, Sweden, and China- Creating AI tools and strategies for major German book publishers and retailers- Designing blended learning materials and delivering over 1.000 days of training and coaching in new work and digital leadership for private and public sector clients- Driving innovation projects with partners in media, telecommunications, and the public sectorI sold my stake in the business upon joining Hörbuch Hamburg. -
AdvisorNeubau Music Jan 2019 - Jan 2021Hamburg, DeAfter selling my label, Humming Records, to NEUBAU, I continued in an advisory role during the transition period. My contributions focused on international partnerships, business development, M&A opportunities and shaping the overall strategy. -
Founder & Managing Director (Exit)Humming Records Jul 2009 - Dec 2018Hamburg, Hamburg , DeHumming Records, founded in 2009, grew into one of Germany's leading independent record labels. By the time we sold the company to NEUBAU Music in 2018, a dedicated team of six operated across Berlin, Hamburg and San Francisco, bringing our artists to audiences worldwide. Humming Records was proud to be the first European home to internationally acclaimed artists such as Josef Salvat, Cloud Control, Wankelmut and Grammy-nominated K.Flay. Key achievements:- Signed and marketed artists who received Grammy nominations and #1 awards in multiple countries- Secured brand partnerships with companies such as Bitburger, Christian Dior, Philip Morris, and Volkswagen, generating over €1 million in sponsorship revenue- Achieved three consecutive nominations as Best German Independent Label at the VIA! VUT Indie Awards -
Head Of International Digital SalesBastei Luebbe Ag Oct 2013 - May 2016Köln, DeBastei Lübbe, one of Germany's largest book publishers turned media house, underwent a major transformation during my tenure, repositioning itself as an international content company. This included launching a joint venture in Los Angeles, acquiring businesses in gaming and animation, and creating a subscription-based reading platform through a spin-off startup. I led the international digital sales team of three and established a new marketing and PR department of two.Key achievements:- Developed and implemented a global distribution structure and strategy for digital products (e-books, audiobooks, and apps) with a focus on the US, UK, China, and Latin America- Closed strategic partnerships with companies such as Amazon, Apple, and Google- Advised the Vice President and Board of Directors on strategic investments and joint ventures -
Culture Marketing & Brand Integration Red Bull RecordsRed Bull Apr 2013 - Sep 2013Fuschl, AtDuring my master’s studies, I interned at Red Bull's German headquarters in the Culture Marketing division. Shortly after starting, I was offered an additional freelance role supporting Red Bull Records, focusing on brand integration efforts in Germany. -
Digital A&R Consultant Columbia / Four MusicSony Music Entertainment Jun 2012 - Sep 2013New York, Ny, UsDuring my master’s studies, I held a part-time role as a data-driven Artist & Repertoire Consultant for Sony Music Germany's labels Columbia and Four Music. -
Brand Management/MarketingPorsche Design Group Jan 2013 - Mar 2013Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, DeDuring my master’s studies, I interned at Porsche Design's international headquarters, supporting brand management and marketing initiatives. -
Manager Licensing & Label RelationsSimfy Ag Jun 2010 - Sep 2012As Manager Licensing & Label Relations at one of Europe’s first and largest music subscription services, I played a key role in scaling the platform during a period of rapid growth. During my tenure, we acquired over 1 million customers and expanded to four European countries and South Africa.Key achievements:- Expanded the music catalog by over 10 million songs- Oversaw curation and programming for the entire German service- Managed rights clearance and partnerships with Fortune 100 companies such as Coca-Cola and Telefónica- Coordinated international teams across the USA and Switzerland -
Online Marketing & Content ManagerAmazon Jan 2010 - May 2010Seattle, Wa, UsAt Amazon, I managed all onsite and email marketing activities for Nokia and BlackBerry. I also played a crucial role in preparing for the launch of the new Musical Instruments category, driving key aspects of the planning process. -
Founder & CeoMumate.Com Gmbh May 2007 - May 2010What began as a university project for an entrepreneurship course grew into a creative collaboration platform and social network for musicians, artists, and writers. As co-founder and CEO, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in entrepreneurship far beyond the classroom. Key achievements:- Conceptualized and created the platform, overseeing its development in collaboration with agencies- Secured nationwide media coverage, including features in Focus, PAGE, and various blogs- Attracted several thousand users to the platform- Closed strategic partnerships with brands like Edding and Chimperator
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Scholarship / Working StudentUniversal Music Group Aug 2007 - Dec 2009Santa Monica, California, UsAwarded a full scholarship for my music business bachelor’s program by Universal Music, I worked in the International Digital department throughout my studies. During this time, I also wrote my bachelor’s thesis, "Development of a Social Media Strategy for Major Labels". Yes, that's how new social media was back then...
Colin Hauer Skills
E Commerce
Music Licensing
Digital Strategy
International Sales
Digital Media
Business Development
Digital Publishing
E Publishing
Digital Marketing
Music
Record Labels
A&r
Music Industry
New Media
Content Strategy
Fashion
Entertainment
Digital Distribution
Music Publishing
Brand Management
Digital Audio
Colin Hauer Education Details
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Mannheim Business SchoolMaster Of Business Administration (Mba) -
Popakademie Baden-WürttembergManagement For The Creative Industries
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Popakademie Baden-WürttembergMusic Business
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UdacityGoogle Developer Challenge Scholarship: Front-End Web Development
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Blue Mountains Grammar School
Frequently Asked Questions about Colin Hauer
What company does Colin Hauer work for?
Colin Hauer works for Hörbuch Hamburg
What is Colin Hauer's role at the current company?
Colin Hauer's current role is CEO.
What schools did Colin Hauer attend?
Colin Hauer attended Mannheim Business School, Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, Udacity, Blue Mountains Grammar School.
What skills is Colin Hauer known for?
Colin Hauer has skills like E Commerce, Music Licensing, Digital Strategy, International Sales, Digital Media, Business Development, Digital Publishing, E Publishing, Digital Marketing, Music, Record Labels, A&r.
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