The Supervisory Board of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has elected Dr. Heike Hanagarth as its new chairwoman. Previously a manager at BMW, an executive at Deutsche Bahn, and a supervisory board member at various international companies, she succeeds Professor Michael Kaschke, who chaired the board for more than six years.
“For two centuries, KIT has stood for excellent research, technological innovation, and successful transfer to practical applications. This special connection between science, technology, and industry is a major strength that puts KIT in a unique position,” Dr. Heike Hanagarth says. “As Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, and as a bridge-builder, I aim to further strengthen this position, use industry networks to KIT’s benefit and make a lasting contribution to its international competitiveness. Together with all stakeholders, we must actively shape the future of our recently redesignated University of Excellence.”
“The Supervisory Board is a key partner for KIT’s strategic development. With Dr. Heike Hanagarth, a leader with international experience in the technology and mobility industries is assuming the leadership of this important body,” says Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, President of KIT. “Her extensive experience at the interface between research, innovation, and industrial applications will be of immense value to KIT. I very much look forward to working with her to continue strengthening KIT’s position as an institution of national and international visibility and relevance.”
About Heike Hanagarth
Born in Karlsruhe in 1959, Heike Hanagarth studied mechanical engineering and earned her doctorate at the former Technical University of Karlsruhe. Her career began in 1988 at Daimler-Benz’s commercial vehicle engine plant in Mannheim. Numerous leadership positions in the international mobility industry followed, including MTU/Tognum and ultimately BMW, where she headed engine production in Munich. From 2013 to 2015, she was a member of the management board at Deutsche Bahn AG, where she was responsible for technology and environmental matters.
In addition to her activity in industry, Hanagarth has been involved for many years in the research and science community, for example as a senator in the Helmholtz Association, as an expert in the German government’s High-Tech Forum, or as a member of the board of trustees at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research. She also holds supervisory and advisory positions in industry and private equity.
KIT Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board oversees the development of KIT and of KIT’s profile as The University in the Helmholtz Association, and it ensures that conditions are in place to enhance KIT’s performance and competitiveness. Among other things, it elects the full-time members of the Executive Board and approves the Structure and Development Plan as well as the Building Development Plan. The Board meets three times per year. Its eleven members are in office for four years and may be reelected.
Members of the KIT Supervisory Board
Dr. Heike Hanagarth
Chairwoman of the KIT Supervisory Board
Susanne Kunschert
Deputy Chairwoman of the KIT Supervisory Board
Managing Partner, Pilz GmbH & Co. KG, Ostfildern
Ministerialdirigent Clemens Benz
Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts, Stuttgart
Professor Dr. Anja Feldmann
Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Saarbrücken
Professor Gerald Haug
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz
Dr. Andreas Keller
Deputy Chairman, Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft, Frankfurt
Professor Catrin Misselhorn
University of Göttingen
Professor Anke-Susanne Müller
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Professor Jörg Neugebauer
Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Düsseldorf
Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space
Stefan Quandt
Chairman of the Board & Executive Director, AQTON SE
More information
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.