- Matthew Gain takes over as CEO of world’s third-largest Dating and Video company as of
1 March 2025 - Marc Schachtel leaves ParshipMeet Group at his own request after 14 successful years
Matthew Gain will become the new CEO of ParshipMeet Group, the world’s third-largest Dating and Video company. Over the past nine years, the Australian has held various management positions at Amazon subsidiary Audible, most recently as Head of Europe, based in Berlin. He will take up his position at the company – which is home to iconic matchmaking brands such as eharmony and Parship as well as social entertainment apps like MeetMe and Tagged – on 1 March 2025.
Gain succeeds Marc Schachtel, who, after 14 successful years at ParshipMeet Group, has decided to leave the company for personal reasons following a successful search for his successor and careful preparation for the handover.
Bert Habets, Chairman of the Executive Board (Group CEO) of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE and Chairman of the Advisory Board of ParshipMeet Group: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew Gain as the new CEO of ParshipMeet Group. With his extensive experience in digital B2C products and subscription models in an international environment, he brings exactly the expertise we need for the future of our Dating and Video business. At the same time, we regret Marc’s decision and thank him for his tireless efforts. He has led ParshipMeet Group through phases of transformation over the past few years and set the strategic course to prepare the company for future challenges. We wish him all the best for his professional and personal future.”
Matthew Gain joined Amazon subsidiary Audible in 2016, where he initially drove the development and expansion of the Asia/Pacific business, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, Japan, and India. In 2021, he took over responsibility for the European activities of the world’s leading audiobook service, where he oversaw sustained business growth, fueled by investment into original content productions and the scaling of centralized European functions to improve cost efficiencies and overall business performance. Before joining Audible, Gain worked in a variety of PR and Communications roles including Microsoft in the UK and as COO Australia at the international PR agency Edelman.
Matthew Gain, designated CEO ParshipMeet Group: “Over the past few years, I have been able to inspire and entertain consumers around the world with great stories. Now I want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to write their own story. Together with my new colleagues, I am very much looking forward to paving the way to happy relationships around the world and helping our streamers to connect and inspire their communities. In this way, I want to unleash the full potential of our nine dating and video brands not only for our customers, but also for our shareholders, whom I sincerely thank for their trust.”
Marc Schachtel joined Parship in 2011 as Director Engineering. In 2012 he was appointed CTO and, in 2014, additionally Managing Director and CCO. At newly formed ParshipMeet Group, he served as COO from 2020 before taking over the management of the company in 2021 – initially as co-CEO and eventually as sole CEO from March 2023. During his time at the company, Schachtel played a key role in the acquisitions and subsequent integrations of ElitePartner, eharmony, and the brands of The Meet Group. During his time with the company, Group revenues multiplied.
Marc Schachtel, CEO ParshipMeet Group: “Working for ParshipMeet Group for almost 14 years has been nothing less than an affair of the heart for me. I would like to thank all my colleagues and our shareholders for the trust they have placed in me in shaping and leading this great company over such a long period of time. Even though it is not easy for me to say goodbye, it is a conscious decision to focus on my family and to become involved in other entrepreneurial activities in the future. I will follow ParshipMeet Group’s progress as a supporter from the sidelines and wish Matthew Gain and the entire #TeamLove the best of success.”
