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Personality in Residence: Karl Gernandt

April 29 & 30
Business manager and chairman of the supervisory board

Karl Gernandt is one of Germany's most prominent business leaders with international experience in leading corporations. After studying business administration at the University of St.Gallen and working for Deutsche Bank and strategy consultancy A.T. Kearney, he served as CEO of major companies such as Holcim Western Europe and, from 2009 to 2015, Kühne + Nagel International AG.

He built up Kühne Holding AG from 2008 onwards, serving as Executive Chairman for 16 years and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2025. Under his leadership, the strategic orientation of the global investments bundled there was developed. Gernandt also sits on various supervisory boards, including Kühne + Nagel, Hapag-Lloyd and Lufthansa, and is involved in social institutions. He also contributed his expertise to the structural development of Hamburger SV, where he temporarily chaired the supervisory board of the professional football club.

The events are free and open to the public. The detailed programme and link to register will follow.

Programme

29. Aprilexpand_less

How to Kulturmanagement

8.30 am to 10 am, SQUARE Residency Grid

With Karl Gernandt and Laura Bucher. Moderator: Yves Partschefeld

He is responsible for the planning and construction of the new opera house in Hamburg. She played a key role in the refurbishment of the concert and theatre hall. He comes from the business world; she from politics.

But how does a cultural institution function compared to other organisations? What particular attention must be paid to in cultural management? And what does it mean, from a political perspective, to secure a city’s support for a refurbishment or new build?

We will discuss these and many other questions over coffee and croissants. 

Registration

 

Human Library: Personal talks with Karl Gernandt

10.30 am to 12 noon, SQUARE Residency Grid

As part of our Human Library, we are delighted to welcome Karl Gernandt as a ‘living book’. In one-to-one conversations, he will share insights into his experiences.

The conversations with individuals or groups of up to three people will last 20 minutes each. No more slots available, thank you for your understanding . 

 

Same Me, Changing Times: The Psychology of Self-Leadership with Karl Gernandt

12:15 to 14:15, SQUARE Residency Grid

How do you stay true to yourself when everything around you is changing? Karl Gernandt, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kühne Holding AG, shares personal insights from over 30 years of leadership experience. He talks about how to figure out who you want to be, build inner stability, and embrace change as an opportunity. With Q&A anda brown bag lunch. Moderation: Miguel Riederer

Registration

 

Rethinking Economics

4 to 5:45 pm, SQUARE Residency Grid

The Rethinking Economics Club is hosting an open Q&A session with Personality in Residence Karl Gernandt, one of Germany’s most prominent entrepreneurs and investors and the long-standing CEO of Kühne Holding. Together, they will discuss traditional and new approaches to economic activity and take a critical look at existing ways of thinking. Look forward to exciting insights into the workings of international corporations, fresh perspectives and the chance to ask your own questions.

Registration

 

Responsibility of global companies and their owners

6.15 pm to 8 pm, SQUARE Residency Grid

With Karl Gernandt, Florian Krause, Andreas Müller and other guests. Moderator: Maria Luisa Fuchs

What responsibility do large corporations and their owners bear in a globalised world? Caught between economic success and environmental challenges, entrepreneurs are increasingly under public scrutiny. But how far does corporate responsibility extend? What obligations do owners have towards society and the environment? What framework conditions are needed to promote responsible action?

Registration

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