Bündheim, Lower Saxony, Germany
Internationally experienced programme and partnership manager with a strong track record in logistics, public health, remembrance culture, and nonprofit leadership. Over 20 years of designing and delivering high-impact initiatives across Europe and Africa – in collaboration with the United Nations, Johnson & Johnson, the Goethe-Institut, and major cultural institutions. Frequently described by colleagues as a values-driven professional with strong integrity. I believe in respect, transparency, and mutual trust – not only as ideals, but as working principles. When these are disregarded, moving on can sometimes be the clearest and most natural decision. Worked closely with international diplomatic missions – including the German, American, and Israeli embassies in The Hague – in the context of remembrance and public awareness initiatives. Specialized in sustainable programme design, Diversity & Inclusion, stakeholder communication, and the balance between strategic leadership and hands-on delivery. Trilingual (German, English, Dutch), and confident in diplomatic and intercultural environments.
Led the transformation and local expansion of the Stichting Stolpersteine, originally responsible for around 600 memorial stones. Under this stewardship the foundation grew into a professional, organization, coordinating over 3,200 Stolpersteine installations by 2025. Redesigned the foundation’s governance and operational model, establishing an executive director supported by a three-member supervisory board. Negotiated the integration of regional volunteer teams and launched new initiatives in municipalities without prior activity, including Landsmeer, Watergang, and Amstelveen. Strengthened collaboration with the City of Amsterdam, local governments, and cultural partners such as the Goethe-Institut. Managed nationwide logistics, communication, and media relations; organized milestone ceremonies for the 1,000th and 2,500th Stolperstein; and represented the project in the documentary HERE LIVED! and in numerous public presentations in German, Dutch, and English. Developed and implemented educational and outreach programmes, including school visits and guided tours. Independently built a dedicated workshop on the grounds of the Goethe-Institut, hosting international visitors and ambassadors from Germany, the United States, Israel, and the Netherlands. Oversaw fundraising, annual reporting, and the creation of the Benelux Stolpersteine Network Meeting, strengthening international cooperation across borders.
Led the coordination, production, and logistics of Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg — part of Europe’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig. Oversaw every stage from project planning to stone production, delivery, and placement, ensuring alignment with local regulations, municipalities, and volunteer initiatives. Supervised the expansion of the Stolpersteine network, scaling operations in Amsterdam from around 600 to over 3,200 stones, and supporting new local working groups in multiple cities and regions. Acted as the primary liaison between the German foundation, the Dutch and Belgian partner organizations, and numerous civic stakeholders including embassies, cultural institutions, and local governments. Managed communication, documentation, and event organization around stone-laying ceremonies, often involving diplomats, survivors’ families, and international media. Recognized for building sustainable regional structures, improving production workflows, and fostering a culture of respectful remembrance across borders.
Joined North Star Alliance at its early stage and helped build one of the most innovative public–private health partnerships in Africa, connecting the transport and health sectors to improve access to care for hard-to-reach populations. Initially responsible for operational and communication support, HR processes, and office coordination during the organization’s startup phase. Designed core administrative systems, structured reporting, and introduced transparent recruitment and volunteer management frameworks. As the organization grew, transitioned into Partner Relations, managing relationships with major institutional and corporate partners such as TNT Express, Johnson & Johnson, and the UN World Food Programme. Coordinated international secondment and research partnerships with INSEAD, Wharton, and the University of Toronto. Served as the primary liaison for donor communications and ensured alignment across programmes, reporting, and branding. Key achievements included the design and implementation of secondment programmes for corporate and academic partners, development of standardized document management and HR systems, and the creation of North Star’s first cross-partner volunteer deployment framework. Recognized as the “spider in the web” — a central connector across teams, regions, and external partners, combining operational precision with a strong human touch.
Moved to the Moving the World partnership between TNT Express and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), an award-winning corporate–humanitarian alliance delivering food assistance to vulnerable communities worldwide. Oversaw the full deployment programme of TNT employees supporting WFP field operations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Managed recruitment, selection, and deployment of around 45 staff members annually, including orientation on humanitarian principles, cross-cultural communication, and personal safety. Developed and implemented training curricula for several volunteer and professional assignment tracks, such as the Emergency Response Team Programme, School Feeding Volunteer Programme, Global Experience Programme, and Specialist Assignment Programme. Coordinated global internal communications and engagement campaigns, created presentations and exhibitions, and organized large-scale fairs and training events with guest speakers from both TNT and WFP. Administered an annual operational budget of €5 million, ensuring efficient use of resources across multiple programmes. Recognized for innovation, empathy, and the ability to bridge corporate professionalism with humanitarian purpose, fostering collaboration across continents and cultures.
Identifying issues and opportunities within the organisation; supporting commitments taken by business leaders to sustain Diversity & Inclusion in their countries; increase communication, discussion on Diversity & Inclusion; debate real changes planned for HR processes and structures.
Overall coordination of the entire support and sponsorship of TNT towards the European Film Academy as well to the European Film Awards.
Following successful completion of a logistics apprenticeship, continued in a full-time position within the Air Freight Export Department of Friedrich Zufall, a leading international forwarding company. Progressed from Export Operations Clerk to Deputy Department Head, responsible for client management, air cargo coordination, and operational efficiency. Oversaw customer relations with domestic and international clients, prepared freight offers and invoices, managed carrier agreements and consolidations, and ensured the accurate processing of export documentation and dangerous goods shipments. Recognized for excellent service orientation, precision, and strong communication with international partners.