SUMMIT 2025 Agenda
Empower. Create. Change.
Ready for Takeoff - Driving Changes for Female Leaders of Tomorrow
WHAT?
The FEM Summit 2025 is ready for takeoff! We aim to drive changes for female leaders of tomorrow by tackling current topics through engaging panels, impactful talks, and transformative networking with industry leaders.
WHEN?
February 1st, 2025
WHERE?
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Campus Vallendar
Timetable
8:30 AM
Check-In & Breakfast
E-Foyer // H- Foyer
10:15 AM
Opening Words
with our General Manager & our moderator
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/ H-001
Donata von Achten
Donata von Achten is our moderator at the upcoming Fem- Female Leadership Summit 2025. Donata is a freshly graduated Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and has experience in various events, including moderating at the FEM Summit 2021 & 2022 and Euromasters 2022 & 2023.
Donata was also part of the FEM- Female Leadership Team in 2022 as General Manager.
Since her graduation she has been working in the Enterprise Sales Team at Stripe in Dublin. We look forward to her insights and expertise in guiding our discussions and fostering a productive environment for all attendees
10:30 AM
"Think Big, Start Small: Building Skills for Long-Term Success"
Fireside Chat with Ann-Cathrin Fels and Bärbel Schramm
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/ H-001
Ann-Cathrin Fels
As a Senior Manager at Bain & Company, Ann-Cathrin Fels brings extensive expertise in advising companies on potential acquisition opportunities, unlocking value through commercial and operational improvements, and position business for sustainable growth. Her role involves working closely with clients to tackle complex and dynamic challenges and implement innovative solutions to unlock long-term success. With years of consulting experience, Ann-Cathrin focuses on a collaborative approach with clients and her teams alike and is committed to delivering impactful results.
Bärbel Schramm
As Head of the Global Macro Rates Sales Team for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland at BNP Paribas, Bärbel Schramm brings extensive expertise in financial markets, focusing on asset allocation, interest rate strategies, and hedging solutions for institutional clients. Her role involves collaborating with leading asset managers, insurance companies, and banks across Europe to provide tailored financial solutions. Bärbel is also actively engaged in mentoring female talents as part of BNP Paribas’ “Women in Global Markets” initiative and is a member of the “Leaders for Tomorrow” Top Talent pool. Her dedication to fostering future leaders reflects her strong commitment to driving diversity and innovation in the financial industry.
11:30 AM
“Leadership in Times of Change: How Women Navigate Crises and Drive Innovation.”
Panel Discussion with Alison Jones, Katrin Adt, Dr. Marie Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/H-001
Alison Jones
Katrin Adt
Katrin Adt is the Chief Audit Executive at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, overseeing global audit functions to ensure compliance and operational excellence. With a career at Mercedes-Benz spanning over two decades, she has held leadership roles including CEO of Mercedes-Benz Luxembourg and Head of Smart, where she led the brand’s transition to electric mobility.
Beyond Mercedes-Benz, Katrin serves on the Supervisory Board of CECONOMY AG and previously worked as a human resources consultant at Egon Zehnder. She holds a law degree and brings extensive international experience, having grown up in various countries due to her diplomatic family background.
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann is a Member of the European Parliament, where she serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, playing a key role in shaping European defense policy and international security strategies. Prior to her election to the European Parliament, she chaired the Defence Committee in the German Bundestag, advocating for a strong and modernized military policy. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Mayor of Düsseldorf, focusing on urban development and security. She holds a doctorate in political science from LMU Munich, specializing in media and communication studies, and has extensive experience in strategic communication from her time in the publishing industry.
12:30 AM
"Leadership Through Clarity: Lessons From the Political Situation and Its Impact on the Overall Social Mood"
Keynote Speech with Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Subcommitee on Security and Defence in the European Parliament
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/H-001
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann is a Member of the European Parliament, where she serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, playing a key role in shaping European defense policy and international security strategies. Prior to her election to the European Parliament, she chaired the Defence Committee in the German Bundestag, advocating for a strong and modernized military policy. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Mayor of Düsseldorf, focusing on urban development and security. She holds a doctorate in political science from LMU Munich, specializing in media and communication studies, and has extensive experience in strategic communication from her time in the publishing industry.
3:30 PM
"Empowering You: How Sponsorship & Mentorship Can Help Build Your Career"
Keynote Speech with Bianca Hingorani – Partner at McKinsey & Company
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/H-001
Bianca Hingorani
As a Partner at McKinsey & Company, Bianca Hingorani brings a wealth of experience in advising global organizations on strategic transformation and leadership development. Her work focuses on empowering businesses to navigate complex challenges while driving sustainable growth. Bianca collaborates closely with senior executives across industries, delivering innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs. She is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in leadership and actively mentors future female leaders. Her expertise and passion for transformative change make her a trusted advisor in the global business landscape.
4:15 PM
Coffee Break
E-Foyer
4:30 PM
"Navigating Innovation: Perspectives from Start-ups, Academia, and Business Leadership"
Fireside chat with Dr. Monika Hauck, Anna Breidt, Prof. Dr. Nike Schröder
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/ H-001
Dr. Monika Hauck
Dr. Monika Hauck is the founder and CEO of Repair Rebels, a digital platform launched in 2021 that modernizes clothing and shoe repairs, making them accessible and stylish. Her efforts have earned recognition, including the German Ecodesign Award. Before founding Repair Rebels, Monika established Change Room, a platform connecting sustainable fashion entrepreneurs with consumers and businesses. She also served as Managing Director at the WHU Entrepreneurship Center, supporting startups and corporate innovation. She holds a Ph.D. in Innovation Management from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, focusing on corporate venturing in the fashion industry. With a background in fashion modeling and sustainable entrepreneurship, she is committed to driving positive change in the industry.
Anna Breidt
As the CEO and Co-Founder of OYESS Beauty GmbH, Anna Breidt is a recognized pioneer in the beauty and consumer goods industry, celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative leadership. Alongside her co-founders Nadja King and Frank Hoffmann, Anna has built a sustainable cosmetics brand known for its high-quality, natural products. Her leadership emphasizes purpose-driven strategies and impactful solutions. Before OYESS, Anna held leadership roles at eos Products, Barilla, and Danone, gaining expertise in strategic management, market development, and navigating competitive markets. She is committed to fostering innovation, promoting ethical leadership, and empowering teams.
Prof. Dr. Nike Schröder
Prof. Schröder is a distinguished professional with a multifaceted career spanning journalism, media, longevity research, and the hospitality industry. Starting as Germany’s youngest journalist, she later held leadership roles, including Director of Sales & Marketing at Forte Village Resort, where she was the only woman on the management team. She also co-founded the Palazzo Fiuggi Medical Retreat, a pioneer in holistic health and preventive care.
Currently, Prof. Schröder is a professor at the European School of Data Science and Technology (ESDST), where she focuses on longevity research and hotel management. As a biohacking expert, epigenetics specialist, and business coach, she works with high-profile clients, bringing cutting-edge insights to the fields of leadership and innovation.
5:10 PM
Coffee Break
E-Foyer
5:30 PM
"AI and Sustainability – How Twin Transformation Can Succeed"
Keynote Speech with Beate Rosenthal – Partner in the Global Consumer and Health Platform at Roland Berger
Jürgen Weber Auditorium/ H-001
Beate Rosenthal
As a partner in the global consumer and health practice at Roland Berger strategy consulting, Beate Rosenthal brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the FMCG and healthcare industries, having held strategic roles at P&G, Merck, Stada, and Google. Her expertise lies at the intersection of sustainability, digitalization, and customer-focused brand building. Beate is also a startup mentor, business angel, public speaker, and blogger. She has served on the board of the female leaders network Generation CEO and her Rotary Club and was a finalist for the “Digital Female Leader Award” in 2021.
6:15 PM
Closing Words
Jürgen Weber Auditorium
7:30 PM
Gala Dinner & Flying Dinner
Gewölbekeller
10:00 PM
Shuttle Service to Afterparty
Stadthalle Vallendar
10:30 PM
Afterparty
Casino Andernach
Campus Map
How to get around Campus:
H-Building:
Check-In, Speeches, Panel Discussions, Fireside Chats
E-Building:
Breakfast, Lunch & Coffee Break
A-Building:
Vaulted Cellar (Gala Dinner)
Congress Hall (Stadthalle):
Shuttle Service to our Afterparty Location
