Tobias Hegewald

Head of Media Insights at RTL Deutschland | Sales-Enabling Advertising Insights | Crossmedia Analytics & BI

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

About

I lead the Media Insights team at RTL Deutschland, supporting data-driven decisions across advertising, audience, content, and crossmedia performance. A central part of our work is helping ad sales teams turn data into clear, convincing arguments for clients and agencies. We combine different types of data — from internal performance and usage data to market, audience, advertising, and industry data — to explain where audiences can be reached, how media channels work together, and why specific advertising solutions create value. Together with my team, I provide insights for the Ad Alliance across TV, print, online, ATV/CTV, crossmedia, and audio. Our role is not only to deliver numbers, but to translate data into commercially relevant stories, sales narratives, and strategic recommendations. A major part of my role is building scalable analytics structures: developing Power BI reporting, supporting the RTL Data Reporting Center, enabling knowledge transfer around BI and AI tools, introducing structured request management through Jira, and driving process automation pilots. I lead an interdisciplinary Media Insights team and focus on combining strategic thinking with practical, reliable execution. My leadership style is based on clarity, trust, knowledge sharing, and strong support for both stakeholders and team members. Core areas: Media Insights · Advertising Research · Sales Enablement · Audience Analytics · Crossmedia Analytics · Commercial Storytelling · Market Analysis · Business Intelligence · Power BI · AI Enablement · Data Storytelling · Reporting Automation · Stakeholder Consulting · Team Leadership · TV · Streaming · Digital · Print

Experience

  • Head of Media Insights at RTL Deutschland GmbH
    Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 7 mos

    I lead the Media Insights team at the crossroads of Data Analysis, Advertising Research & Media Consulting. We support Ad Alliance and RTL Deutschland stakeholders with insights across TV, streaming, CTV, ATV, digital, and crossmedia. Our turn audience, market, performance, and advertising data into clear commercial arguments for clients and agencies. Beyond analysis, we build scalable reporting structures, improve workflows, and strengthen data capabilities. Key focus areas: - Leading and developing an interdisciplinary team of analysts, researchers and consultants - Creating sales-relevant insights and commercial narratives for Ad Alliance - Steering crossmedia analyses across the full media portfolio - Developing and publishing self-service offers across the company - Enabling knowledge transfer around BI, AI tools, and automation - Improving request management and team workflows through Jira-based processes

  • Professional Transition & Further Education at null
    Nov 2020 - Dec 2021 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Completed further education in Data Analytics at Ironhack, strengthening practical skills in SQL, Python, data analysis, visualization, and business intelligence. Used this phase to explore new opportunities in media research, audience insights, and analytics, with availability for selected freelance consulting assignments.

  • Director Research & Insights at Viacom International Media Networks GSA
    Dec 2016 - Oct 2020 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Member of the Management Board of Viacom International Media Networks GSA Led research and insights activities supporting programming, content, audience, and commercial decision-making across Viacom’s media portfolio. Focused on translating audience data, market research, and performance analysis into clear recommendations for internal stakeholders. Worked closely with programming, content, strategy, and commercial teams to identify performance drivers, audience trends, and market opportunities. Key focus areas: - Audience, content, and market insights - TV and multiplatform performance analysis - Strategic recommendations for programming and commercial teams - Stakeholder consulting and presentation of insights

  • Viacom International Media Networks GSA (Metropolregion Berlin/Brandenburg · On-site)
    • Senior Manager Multiplatform Content Analysis
      Jun 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos

      Led multiplatform content analysis in an international environment, working across multiple markets and supporting stakeholders in different countries. Managed and collaborated with a multinational team to analyze content performance across linear and digital platforms. The role focused on understanding audience behavior, usage patterns, and performance development across markets, and translating the findings into practical guidance for programming, content, and strategy teams. Key focus areas: - International audience and content analysis - Cross-market performance tracking - Multiplatform research across TV and digital - Collaboration with multinational teams and stakeholders - Insight presentations for programming, content, and strategy teams

    • Senior Manager Programming Analysis
      Jan 2013 - Jun 2015 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Led programming analysis in an international environment, supporting multiple markets with audience insights, performance tracking, and competitive analysis within the television markets. Worked with multinational teams and stakeholders to evaluate programming performance, identify audience trends, and support scheduling, content, and strategy decisions across countries. Key focus areas: - International TV programming analysis - Cross-market audience and performance tracking - Schedule and content evaluation - Competitive market analysis - Collaboration with multinational teams and stakeholders - Data-based recommendations for programming and strategy teams

    • Programming Analyst
      Aug 2011 - Dec 2012 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Built a strong foundation in media research, audience measurement, programming analysis, and performance reporting for known brands like Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and MTV. Supported content, programming, and strategy teams with regular analyses, market context, and data-based recommendations. Key focus areas: - Audience research - TV performance analysis - Reporting and data preparation - Programming and content support - Competitive market observation

  • Project Manager at House of Research
    May 2010 - Jul 2011 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Started my career in applied media and market research, supporting quantitative research projects through data preparation, analysis, reporting, and presentation. The role built a strong foundation in research methodology, data quality, structured analysis, and client-oriented insight delivery. Key focus areas: - Media and market research projects for a variety of clients from local businesses to goverment agencies - Quantitative analysis - Data preparation - Research reporting - Audience and market insights - Client-oriented project support