MDD Voices | Partner Story: Building Digital Corporate Reporting Together with the Center for Corporate Reporting

As MDD celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are highlighting the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey — and continue to drive innovation in corporate reporting. With the MDD Voices video series, we share these stories directly from those involved: authentic, collaborative, and rooted in real‑world experience.

In each story, we explore what enables sustainable reporting success — trusted collaboration, aligned platforms, and a shared commitment to continuous digital evolution.

In this Partner Story, we speak with Reto Schneider, founder of the Center for Corporate Reporting (CCR) and the Geschäftsberichtesymposium (GBS), and one of MDD’s long‑standing Platinum Partners. He reflects on many years of close collaboration and a partnership that has grown through open exchange, mutual respect, and shared values.

As Reto explains, the relationship between him and MDD did not start as a partnership. In the early days, both him and MDD operated in the same space — sometimes even as competitors. What followed, however, was not distance, but a “healthy exchange” that laid the foundation for trust and mutual appreciation.

Over time, this exchange evolved into a genuine collaboration. What made the difference was not a single project, but a shared mindset: discussing openly, challenging ideas constructively, and keeping the focus on what truly benefits reporting professionals.

A recurring theme in the interview is MDD’s approach at events such as the Geschäftsberichtesymposium. Rather than pushing products, MDD has consistently positioned itself with restraint — focusing on dialogue, competence, and contribution instead of sales.

From Reto’s perspective, this understated presence strengthens the credibility of the platform and supports the core idea of GBS: creating space for discussion, exchange, and learning within the reporting community.

This approach reflects a partnership where content comes before commercial interest — and where trust grows naturally over time.

Reto describes MDD as a customer‑ and market‑oriented partner, working with clients at eye level. What stands out for him is the service mindset: listening carefully, understanding real needs, and translating them into practical solutions.

He also highlights the importance of anticipating trends while staying close to customers — not pushing ideas too early, but continuously engaging in conversation. From early discussions around tagging and automation to today’s reporting requirements, the partnership has always been shaped by this balance. 

One message is clear throughout the conversation: digital corporate reporting is not driven by tools alone. It evolves through people, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt over time.

The MDD Voices interviews show what reporting really looks like: not just numbers and chapters, but people, conversations, decisions, and teamwork. They offer a human perspective on the dynamics behind every annual report.

We are proud to feature this Partner Story early in our anniversary series. It highlights what becomes possible when organizations work closely together over many years — evolving from competition to collaboration, and jointly shaping the future of digital corporate reporting.