After nine years at Google, Christian Heise has been the new President of Hamburg Media School (HMS) since 2025. In this interview, he talks about the reasons for his move, the newly introduced AI consultation hours and his personal approach when algorithms that are too good keep him awake for too long.
After nine years at Google, Christian Heise has been the new President of Hamburg Media School (HMS) since 2025. In this interview, he talks about the reasons for his move, the newly introduced AI consultation hours and his personal approach when algorithms that are too good keep him awake for too long.
Mr. Heise, after nine years at Google, you have decided to move to the Hamburg Media School (HMS) as President. What prompted you to take this step?
Christian Heise: It was a mixture of timing and the opportunity to make a difference. My predecessor asked me in 2024 whether I knew anyone who would be suitable for the position. After that, I did some soul-searching and ended up applying myself.
What happened next?
Christian Heise: HMS was ready for new impetus, especially in the areas of future positioning and AI integration. It appealed to me to bring my knowledge and experience from the technology industry into an academic environment. The first interview with some members of the HMS Supervisory Board was decisive. It lasted over an hour and was the best appointment of my week. On a Friday afternoon!
What has particularly surprised you in your new role so far?
Christian Heise: Thinking about whether a meeting could be held digitally. I took it for granted - nobody would have asked Google. Such micro-moments show me the different working cultures and practices that can change over time.
What was your first official act as President?
Christian Heise: Getting to know all employees and introducing an AI consultation hour. My aim is to support our employees directly and take away their fear of new technologies. It's about offering practical help and at the same time raising awareness and skills in dealing with artificial intelligence (AI).
How do you assess the ongoing conflicts between Google and European media companies?
Christian Heise: I think that it has long been difficult for Google, as a US tech company, to understand and respond to the specific requirements and cultural differences of the European market. This has led above all to challenges in adapting to European data protection standards and other local legislation, which in turn has at times led to conflicts with European institutions.
How would you describe these cultural differences?
Christian Heise: People in Europe also want to be heard and seen. The appreciation and political role of the contributions of local media companies and the recognition of the different regulatory frameworks are crucial for success, especially with regard to data protection and copyright.
What are the big issues you want to tackle at HMS?
Christian Heise: My goal is to integrate Hamburg Media School more strongly into a European and international network of educational institutions in order to provide an even richer and more diverse education. In addition, I see HMS as a place where media is used as a driving force for innovation and where it once again represents an essential link in our society.
Which media do you personally use?
Christian Heise: I subscribe to various newspapers, including Eimsbütteler Nachrichten and ZEIT Digital. I used TikTok very early on, but deleted it again after a short time. The algorithm was just too good for me. (laughs) Nevertheless, I can see the potential of TikTok for consciously and considerately addressing target groups, especially younger people. I'm also an amazingly active user of Reddit. There are a lot of specific debates and perspectives there, especially in niche areas that I'm particularly interested in.
Finally, can you share with us the biggest difference between Google and HMS?
Christian Heise: For one thing, the type of digital collaboration differs significantly, and for another, my travel expense report is now much more streamlined (laughs).
At the same time, I see a greater scope for creativity at HMS, which offers new opportunities for creative and innovative approaches.
Marie-Louise Schlutius works as a freelance communications and journalist. She previously worked for the ZEIT publishing group and gained professional experience at the Progressive Center in Berlin, ZDF in New York and the Goethe Institute in Paris.
