Team

Frank Schmidt

Founder & CEO, Chief Curator & Editor

 

As a passionate entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in Emotional Brand Building, Entertainment, and Sponsorship, Frank has always believed in the power of emotions and communities. Throughout his career, he has founded several agencies and initiatives that reflect his passion for affinity contexts and emotional relationships (e.g., Ledavi Network). With AVVY, he is bringing together his know-how and network to establish an inspirational platform where a sophisticated community can curate compelling content, valuable insights, extraordinary initiatives, impactful projects, and attractive offerings, while gradually connecting with one another.

Marieke Hoppe

Co-Founder & COO, Curating Editor Health & Wellbeing

 

Marieke is a brand strategist and enthusiastic explorer of the world, particularly interested in people, cultures, habitats, food, and all forms of body movement and personal growth. Discovering and curating trends, developments, and approaches in health, wellness, sports, nutrition, as well as social and mental well-being, is her personal passion. She is driven by lifelong curiosity about the art of storytelling, and finds purpose in exploring, experiencing, and celebrating the beauty of humans, nature, and the extraordinary things this world has to offer.

 

Read Articles by Marieke Hoppe

Holger Pütting

Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships

 

Holger is an entrepreneur and founder with a strong passion for networking, travel, and trend scouting. As a long-time partner and friend of AVVY founder Frank, he leads NEST ONE, an agency for brand experience architecture. Holger draws entrepreneurial inspiration from discovering new places, engaging with inspiring people, and his diverse sporting activities. At AVVY, he is responsible for business development, networking, and brand partnerships.

Andrea Bury

Curating Editor Shape The World

Andrea is positively curious and loves meeting new people from completely different backgrounds and cultures. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding has taken her across continents, where she delves deep into the heart of diverse cultures, embracing their unique wisdom and practices. Andrea’s commitment to sustainability is not just a philosophy but a way of life, guiding her efforts to foster economic, social and environmental well-being through mindful practices. Her vision for herself and her social business ABURY is aiming to build bridges between different worlds, celebrating our shared humanity, and nurturing a global community bound by mutual respect and learning. 

 

Luca & Gunnar Romeyke

Curating Editors Discover The World

As founders and owners of the boutique travel agency OneXperience, they have put their love and passion for travel at the heart of their work and created an exclusive oasis for travel lovers seeking the extraordinary. What drives them is their constant curiosity for unforgettable adventures and authentic experiences with nature, culture and people. They see it as their mission to share these enriching experiences with others and inspire them to explore the world in their own unique way.

 

Claudia Hornemann

Curating Editor Arts & Culture

 

As Avvy’s cultural content curator and editor, Claudia brings together cultural and zeitgeist topics that resonate with our times. She is a cultural insider and networking agent in the worlds of art, culture, and design. After living in several European capitals, she now calls Berlin her home, where her passion for the arts is fueled by active involvement in the city’s vibrant scene. Claudia consults for luxury brands, serves as an ambassador at the renowned Sprüth Magers gallery, and is on the board of trustees at the Neue Nationalgalerie, helping to bring cultural projects to life. Outside of work, she embraces a mindful lifestyle, drawing inspiration from nature and hiking. Expect weekly content, personal stories, and updates filled with unique insights into cultural trends and the evolving Zeitgeist.

 

Carsten Heintzsch

Curating Editor Zeitgeist & People

Carsten is the editor of the Avvy Zeitgeist & People Section. A experienced communication creative, Carsten channels the currents, tensions, and movements of people’s daily lives into thought-provoking essays and inspiring missions. He firmly believes that everyone is a unique and extraordinary individual, each holding a treasure trove of lifetime stories. Carsten’s passion lies in uncovering the ever-evolving Zeitgeist within these stories and celebrating it as a guiding force for us all. A true enthusiast of music and sports, Carsten is, above all, a devoted admirer of the incredible phenomenon known as humanity.

 

Chris Leete

Curating Editor Design & Architecture

 

Chris serves as one of Avvy’s Editors, specializing in film storytelling with a strong emphasis on documentaries. Over the years, he has focused on projects that embrace themes of social inclusivity, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, mental health, and the evolving landscape of sports. Known for his emotional storytelling and keen ear for sound, Chris also brings a refined eye for aesthetics, backed by a degree in Arts & Design. His goal is to create content that not only entertains and educates but also provokes thoughtful reflection. Having expanded his expertise into writing, Chris continues to infuse his narratives with the same depth and impact found in his films.

 

Christopher Hellwig

Head of UX Design & Technology

 

Christopher is a seasoned entrepreneur, UX/UI designer, and full-stack programmer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in brand building and web design. His career is marked by collaborations with celebrities such as multi-platinum artist Alvaro Soler and major companies like Universal Music among others. He also was a pivotal figure at Dash Radio, where he developed products that garnered attention from Forbes, Rolling Stone, and more. At AVVY, Christopher leverages his extensive background to drive technological innovation and enhance user experiences.