In this new role as MDPI’s Chief Executive Officer, Stefan's primary focus will be on supporting the company’s growth and continuing to build the globally recognized MDPI brand. He will employ his transparent and effective leadership communication style to foster engagement with the company and its philosophy.

Stefan will report to Dr. Lin and will collaborate closely with MDPI’s senior management in making major decisions. With his proactive approach and dedication, he will play a pivotal role in promoting MDPI's work and enhancing the company’s visibility as a globally trusted publisher and leader in Open Access publishing.

While stepping aside from the CEO position and focusing on his role as Chairman of the Board of MDPI, Dr. Lin will continue to provide mentorship to the senior management team.

Stefan joined MDPI in 2020, rising quickly to the position of Head of Marketing and Communications. With an academic background in Social Science and Marketing, he brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to his new position. He understands the critical role of market research and insight strategy in delivering effective brand communications, and has a profound commitment to the highest editorial and publishing standards.

"I am delighted to have been offered this position of trust within a pioneering company whose horizons only continue to expand,” Stefan observes. “The Open Access publishing model makes potentially vital new research findings freely available to scholars worldwide. MDPI is fully committed to helping this concept achieve its full potential, to the benefit of the global scientific community."

Dr. Lin comments: “We are confident that Stefan’s expertise, leadership and vision will guide us toward consolidating MDPI's position as a leading Open Access publisher.”