Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt is to become President of the University of Witten/Herdecke

Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt is to become the new President of Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H). Following an intensive selection process and a unanimous vote by the relevant administrative bodies, he will take up his post at the start of the coming summer term on 1 April 2027. He succeeds Prof. Dr Martin Butzlaff, who has played a decisive role in shaping the university’s development over the past 18 years in a leadership capacity.

The change of presidency comes at a time of rapid growth and institutional development. With an annual turnover of around 80 million euros, 3,700 students in the fields of health, business and society, around 11,000 graduates and over 900 staff, the university is now one of the region’s largest employers. With its interdisciplinary Studium fundamentale programme, its successful ten-year accreditation by the Science Council, and comprehensive rights to conduct doctoral studies and habilitations across all departments, the UW/H occupies a special position amongst German universities in private ownership. 

This strong institutional foundation is also the result of Martin Butzlaff’s leadership. For almost two decades, together with colleagues on the Executive Board, in the faculties and in the administration, as well as with the university’s governing bodies and advisory and funding partners, he has guided the university through a phase of strong growth and academic distinction, leaving a decisive mark on its development. Building on this foundation, Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt is now taking the helm for the next phase of development – with the task of further developing the UW/H’s profile in research, education and societal impact at a time of profound change.

In Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt, the UW/H gains a scholar and leadership expert whose profile is exceptionally well-suited to both its faculties. As a psychologist and economist, he uniquely bridges the perspectives of the Faculties of Health and ofManagement, Economics and Society. His academic and professional work brings together psychology and management, research and teaching, management consultancy and university self-administration. In doing so, he embodies key elements of Witten’s identity: academic excellence and entrepreneurial thinking, personal development and social responsibility. For many years, his research has focused on the question of what value organisations create for society and how leadership can succeed in an environment of rapid and constant change.

Meynhardt currently holds the Dr Arend Oetker Chair in Business Psychology and Leadership at the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. He also heads the Centre for Leadership and Innovation in Society at the University of St Gallen. His work demonstrates a strong spirit of experimentation: he approaches new technological and societal developments with a scientific eye and uses them to test innovative forms of education, collaboration and social impact. In doing so, he brings a perspective that is of particular importance for the next phase of development at UW/H.

Dr Janosch Dahmen, Chair of the Supervisory Board and of the university’s nomination committee: 

“Witten/Herdecke University was born out of the courage not only to conceive of a university differently, but also to rebuild it from scratch as a model institution. Since its foundation, three guiding principles have defined this unique spirit: encourage freedom, strive for truth and assume social responsibility. This ‘esprit engagé’ is not merely a historical legacy that we wish to preserve, but a mission that each generation must breathe new life into.

For the future and for the newly elected President, what will matter is not merely how we grow, but what we are growing for and what we can and wish to achieve through this growth. In his academic work and professional career, Timo Meynhardt combines insight and conviction, entrepreneurial spirit and concern for the common good. I am convinced that he is the right person to lead Witten/Herdecke University boldly into its next phase of development, building on its strong tradition.”

Prof. Dr Sabine Bohnet-Joschko, Chair of the Senate and member of the nomination committee:

“Timo Meynhardt has won us over with his proven academic expertise, his broad experience in teaching, research and knowledge transfer, and his clear vision for future-proof education. He brings a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of a university that thrives on academic freedom, personal responsibility and the drive of its members. We look forward to shaping the future development of Witten/Herdecke University together with him.”

Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt, future President of Witten/Herdecke University:

“Since its foundation, Witten/Herdecke University has addressed important societal questions that have also long been a focus of my own work: How can academic excellence, personal development, entrepreneurial thinking and social impact be combined? How can a university combine disciplinary depth with thematic vision and practical relevance?

What is exciting about Witten/Herdecke University is that it not only asks important questions – it also provides bold, exemplary and compelling answers. I am very much looking forward to further developing this special university together with its members and diverse partners, and to taking on responsibility for its future in a unique way.”

About the person: Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt

Prof. Dr Timo Meynhardt is a psychologist and economist. He is 54 years old, married and the father of two daughters and a son. Prof. Meynhardt studied psychology at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena. He obtained his PhD in Management at the University of St Gallen and completed his habilitation there, specialising in human resources and organisational management.

Following his time at McKinsey & Company, he was Professor of Management at Leuphana University Lüneburg. Today, he holds the Dr Arend Oetker Chair in Business Psychology and Leadership at the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management and heads the Centre for Leadership and Innovation in Society at the University of St Gallen.