Maximilian Kersten becomes Managing Director at Schwarz+Matt

Since July 1, 2024, Max has strengthened the Schwarz+Matt agency, which has been in existence since 2016, as Managing Director. Together with André Schirmer, the founder of the agency, he will strategically steer the company and drive it forward. The two have known each other for 11 years, when Max started as an intern at PicturePeople.

With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing Management and over 8 years of experience in leading brand consultancies, Max brings valuable expertise to the table. He also shares his knowledge as a lecturer in corporate identity at the International School of Management (ISM) in Dortmund.

Max lives in the heart of the Ruhr region, in Bottrop, and will be responsible for the Branding and New Business divisions as Managing Director. His career at Schwarz+Matt began early on: even as a young employee, he independently looked after up to 40 customers at a time. After almost three years at a leading brand and design consultancy, he returned to Schwarz+Matt with new ideas.

“Max shares our vision of strong brands and brings fresh ideas for our growth,” says André Schirmer. “Our journey together began at a pizza session where we philosophized about the future of Schwarz+Matt. This gave rise to our business idea, which combines design and Max’s strategic thinking.”

Since rejoining the agency in June last year, Max has won many important projects and helped the agency to grow continuously. “He is passionate about turning inquiries into successes and inspiring customers through empathetic thinking,” adds Schirmer.

Schwarz+Matt’s success story is impressive: founded in 2016 above a billiard bar in Dortmund, the former advertising agency has developed into a brand and design agency with more than 300 clients and 22 permanent employees. The focus on strong brands and continuous growth remains the guiding principle for them.