Stephen Leicht takes over as Digital Science CEO as Daniel Hook moves to Holtzbrinck Group

The leadership transition took effect on August 1, with Hook becoming the parent company’s first Chief Scientific Officer after 11 years as Digital Science CEO

Daniel Hook has become Chief Scientific Officer at Holtzbrinck Group, while Stephen Leicht has succeeded him as Digital Science CEO

Stephen Leicht has succeeded Daniel Hook as Chief Executive Officer of Digital Science, while Hook has moved into the newly created position of Chief Scientific Officer at parent company Holtzbrinck Group.

The appointments took effect on August 1, 2026. They give Leicht control of Digital Science’s next stage of development and create a wider group role for Hook spanning science, research and innovation strategy.

Hook leaves the CEO post after 11 years but will remain connected to Digital Science and the global research community. He has spent 16 years with the company, having co-founded Symplectic, one of its earliest portfolio businesses.

“The moment has come to pass the baton,” Hook says. “I could not be more pleased to be handing it to my long-term colleague Steve, who has been a partner, counsel and friend. He knows Digital Science as well as anyone, and he shares the values that make it what it is.”

His new remit extends across Holtzbrinck Group rather than focusing solely on Digital Science. Hook says the position will keep him close to both the research community and the business he previously led.

Stefan von Holtzbrinck, CEO of Holtzbrinck Group, describes Hook’s expertise, network and integrity as important to the group’s work within the science community and beyond.

Leicht moves from President to CEO

Leicht’s appointment follows more than a decade of involvement with Digital Science. His connection began in 2013, when the company invested in ÜberResearch, which he co-founded. That business later developed into Dimensions, Digital Science’s research intelligence platform.

He joined the executive team as Chief Operating Officer in 2016, overseeing commercial, operational and corporate functions, before becoming President in 2023. His earlier roles include EVP & COO at Collexis Holdings, which Reed Elsevier acquired in 2010, and leadership positions at IBM.

That history makes this an internal succession rather than an external change of direction. Leicht identifies research, technology and AI as the central areas of opportunity for the company, while stating that its existing values will remain unchanged.

“Digital Science has a rare combination of trusted products, talented people and a clear sense of purpose,” Leicht says. “Our values carry forward unchanged, and we'll keep investing in the talent that drives the business.”

Digital Science describes itself as an AI-focused technology company serving researchers, universities, governments, funders, industry and publishers. Its portfolio includes Altmetric, Dimensions, Figshare, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, metaphacts, Overleaf, ReadCube, Symplectic and Writefull.

Leicht assumed the Chief Executive Officer position on August 1, while Hook began his new role as Holtzbrinck Group’s Chief Scientific Officer on the same date.