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Two familiar faces. One sharpened vision.
Tobias and Rocco on their start as a leadership duo, their vision for Twentyseven, and what’s next for the agency.
There’s building going on at Twentyseven. With Tobias Mauel (Managing Director) and Rocco Janse (Technical Director) at the helm, the agency is entering a new chapter—one led by two familiar faces who now officially share the wheel. We could have asked them twenty-seven questions about it, but with a company in transition, an ambitious team, and full calendars, we kept it to seven.
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How does it feel to be leading Twentyseven?
Rocco: “For me, it felt like a natural step. I was the first employee here and already responsible for the technical team. But now that Tobias and I share overall responsibility, it’s different. Less about day-to-day operations, more about long-term direction.”
Tobias: “Last year I switched from a company of six thousand people to one of ten. Deliberately. Because here, you can make a real impact. The great thing is that small, thoughtful changes can steer the direction of the entire company. And we don’t do that from above, but together with the team.”
What’s actually changing?
Tobias: “It’s not a radical shift—it’s more of a natural evolution. We’re building on what already worked, sharpening the focus, and creating more visibility. More direction. More clarity. What we did before was strong, but we didn’t always tell that story clearly enough. Twentyseven stands for a boutique approach with enterprise-grade results. Small team, big impact. That proposition needs to be crystal clear—for our clients and for ourselves.”
Rocco: “At the same time, we want to bring stability and calm within the team. After an intense period, we’re focused on building structure. Through better tools, clear roles, and solid processes. We want everyone to know what’s expected, where we’re headed, and have the space to take ownership and grow.”
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What makes your partnership as a duo work so well?
Tobias: “Rocco and I understand each other easily. We’re often on the same wavelength, which helps. Not because we always have to agree, but because we trust each other. If I’m not around, I know Rocco will make the right call—and the other way around.”
Rocco: “Tobias has a background in strategy and consulting, and I come from tech and development. That makes for a natural division of focus and a broader perspective on challenges. It may sound cliché, but we really do complement each other.”
How would you describe your leadership style?
Rocco: “I hope it’s human. We want to be approachable, communicate transparently, and listen. Not management at a distance, but colleagues who make things happen together. Sure, sometimes we have to make tough calls—but we do that with the team, not for the team.”
Tobias: “For me, it’s about context. I want our people to understand why we do things, so it never feels arbitrary. When things go well, it’s because of the team. And when they’re tough, we’re the first to step up and take responsibility.”
What makes you most proud so far?
Rocco: “That the team stayed strong through a period of major change. The atmosphere is good, people are engaged, and that’s not something to take for granted.”
Tobias: “That sense of engagement—both from colleagues and clients—means a lot. Sometimes it’s in the little things: a client sending a thank-you card, or a colleague asking how you’re really doing. That’s when you know we’re building the right kind of company. One that creates digital platforms and genuine relationships.”
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How do you see the collaboration with Handpicked?
Rocco: “It’s a huge advantage. We’re a small, specialized agency, but through Handpicked we have access to an entire ecosystem of expertise. Whether it’s strategy, design, data, or performance, we can offer clients a complete digital solution without losing focus.”
Tobias: “What’s great is that we can be part of a larger group and still stay true to who we are. We don’t have to blend in—we get to keep our own identity. Handpicked isn’t a safety net. It’s a trampoline.”
What’s next for Twentyseven?
Rocco: “The coming period is about steady growth. Strengthening long-term client relationships, working on strategic projects that fit who we are, and helping our team grow alongside that. Our focus remains the same: building complex digital platforms with a human touch—but with an even sharper proposition.”
Tobias: “We’re looking to partner with enterprise clients who share that ambition. Clients who want more than a supplier—who want a build partner that brings experience, structure, and ownership. There’s plenty to do. This isn’t a sprint. Not even a marathon. It’s an ultra. Ready? We definitely are.”