johannes heilberger

Head of Brand Development @ COPENHAGEN STUDIOS GmbH | Bocconi MBA in Fashion Management

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

About

I build brands at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and culture. At COPENHAGEN STUDIOS GmbH, I lead brand-building and product strategy — translating vision into stories that travel globally and stick locally. My focus: shaping narratives that resonate deeply, creating products people don’t just wear, but live in. With 15 years behind the decks as a DJ — from intimate Berlin rooftops to festival stages — and as co-founder of the Afterglow events, I’ve spent my life building communities around shared experiences. That cultural fluency flows into my work: knowing how to read a room, spot a shift, and create the right moment at the right time. Before Copenhagen Studios, I drove global category launches at Marc O’Polo SE, exceeding sales and sustainability targets while modernizing key business areas. I thrive where creativity meets commerce, blending sharp strategy with the energy of cultural movements. For me, whether it’s a sneaker drop, a runway debut, or a sunrise set — it’s all about creating the feeling people remember.

Experience

  • Head of Brand Development at COPENHAGEN STUDIOS GmbH
    Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Sonic Curation at JOYHANNES (DJ) & Afterglow Berlin
    Sep 2007 - Present · 18 yrs 10 mos

    What started as an outright passion evolved into a fully-fledged profession, playing everywhere from Burning Man to 5000 people company events to our own sought-after boat parties on Berlin's Spree. Music is the Answer!

  • Senior Manager New Business Development at Marc O'Polo SE
    Apr 2021 - May 2025 · 4 yrs 2 mos

    PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS Launching a new category and business model from scratch on a global scale Exceeding sales targets by 150% Growing retail sales by 100% Exceeding sustainability objectives Repositioning and modernisation of the business area What started as a fragrance project, quickly evolved into the big question of how to meaningfully and authentically expand the MO'P brand universe. One of the most ambitious product launches from a sustainability and distribution standpoint. Managed the project 360° with a strong entrepreneurial mindset. 2m€ project which we launched & made a success with minimum marketing spend. Moreover in charge of our eyewear partnership, overseeing 20m€ revenues and a mkt budget of ≈1m€, and interim manager during the launch of our new body- & beach collection with 4m€ revenues. Enabling Innovation Strategic Partnerships Brand Development Product Development P&L Responsibility Definition & Allocation of Budgets

  • Creative Strategist at Freelance
    Jun 2019 - Apr 2021 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Worked on my personal projects, and supported various friends and old + new connections from my past experiences, always creating value through empathy and collaboration. Brand strategy Brand experiences Consumer/User Insights New Business Development

  • Trip around the World at Sabbatical
    Jun 2019 - Apr 2020 · 11 mos

    I was eager and ready to go on a long journey around the globe with good friends, new ones, and sometimes only myself. Made lifelong connections, lived and worked with local communities, and fell in love with the beauty around us again. And also met the love of my life.