The 2025-2026 program started with a kick-off conference at Lake Starnberg, offering participants a unique blend of leadership insights, transatlantic discussions, and interactive workshops.
The conference began at Lake Starnberg, where participants were welcomed by AmCham Germany鈥檚 General Manager Daniel Andrich and Thomas Henneberg, Head of Department, Strategic Partnerships, Regional Coordination & Events. For the first time, the NextGen program is generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Konrad Bauer, Vice President Supply Chain & Operations, introduced Thermo Fisher鈥檚 role in advancing science and industry, while sharing insights on tariffs and supply chain resilience. This sparked engaging discussions that continued over a welcoming dinner overlooking the lake and mountain range.
Daniel Andrich and Thomas Henneberg introduced AmCham Germany鈥檚 diverse engagement opportunities, events, and initiatives within the transatlantic business community. A special highlight was the virtual session with AmCham Germany President Simone Menne, who shared her perspectives, career advice, and leadership expertise. The cohort also benefited from the experiences of recent alumni: Simone Schatto (Director, Roland Berger GmbH), Shelley Cantrick (Vice President, Global ESG Change and Implementation, O&A ESG and Sustainable Finance, Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank AG), and Torben Krauss (EMEA Customer Operations Manager, Texas Instruments). The members of the NextGen Steering Committee offered best practices, practical insights, and encouragement to stay engaged throughout and beyond the program year. Over lunch, the group had the opportunity to connect with AmCham GermanyVice President and Regional Chapter Chair David Knower, who showcased the multitude of ways AmCham Germany fosters professional growth and transatlantic cooperation.
The conference agenda also included interactive and future-oriented sessions on global developments relevant for the transatlantic business leaders of tomorrow. In a workshop held outdoors, participants exchanged ideas on business trends, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. Claudia Donzelmann (Global Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Allianz SE) provided an input on geopolitical risk management, encouraging the group to broaden their perspective and integrate political developments into their professional outlook. Further sessions at Lake Starnberg offered opportunities to engage with distinguished experts. Dr. Tobias Endler (Speaker, Author, Moderator) challenged participants to reflect on leadership in the context of changing global and transatlantic dynamics, while Jenny Leonard (Bloomberg News) provided an analysis of current transatlantic trends and developments in the United States from a journalist鈥檚 perspective.
As a long-standing supporter of the NextGen Program, AmCham Germany Executive Vice President Andreas Schwaiger (Managing Director Germany, Texas Instruments) contributed valuable insights into the role of U.S. companies in Germany and shared AmCham Germany鈥檚 current transatlantic priorities. His session emphasized the role of optimism and resilience in navigating global challenges and provided operational examples applicable to Texas Instruments.
To close the conference on a creative note, participants took part in a TeamGeist workshop鈥攄eveloping and producing short films that captured their interpretation of the program. This activity fostered team spirit, strengthened connections, and showcased the cohort鈥檚 ability to think creatively and collaboratively.
From the calm of Lake Starnberg, the cohort traveled to Munich for a day of high-level exchanges with AmCham Germany partners and member companies.
The morning began with a visit to the U.S. Consulate General Munich, where Consul General Dr. James Miller shared his insights as a U.S. diplomat and underlined the importance of the transatlantic partnership. Political and Economic Consul Dan Thompson followed with success stories of U.S.鈥揋erman collaboration, highlighting the unique and historical connection between Bavaria and the United States.
From diplomacy to business, the group then visited McDonald鈥檚 Deutschland LLC, where Markus Weiss (Impact Lead) and Tanja R枚tger (Department Head Corporate Affairs), supported by Lisa Kleemann (Specialist Menu Management & Product Development), presented the company鈥檚 strategy, sustainability vision, and innovative menu development. A behind-the-scenes look into McDonald鈥檚 test kitchen offered participants an authentic taste of transatlantic brand culture.
The afternoon continued at BMW Group, where Dr. Maik B枚res (Government Affairs, Corporate Protocol) provided thought-provoking insights into the future of mobility, framed by the context of transatlantic trade and exchange in the automotive industry. The program also included a guided tour at BMW World, made possible by Regional Co-Chair Glenn Schmidt (Vice President Global Sustainability). and the BMW team, giving participants a close-up view of the brand鈥檚 iconic models and mobility concepts.
The final stop of the Munich day brought the group to AlixPartners, where Regional Co-Chair Philipp Meske (Partner), alongside Maximilian Bethge and Lars Thiel, engaged participants in an open dialogue on navigating unpredictability and leading through transformation. The day concluded with lively discussions on the company鈥檚 rooftop terrace, where reflections from the entire program deepened the sense of connection and shared purpose among the participants.
The 2025 NextGen Kick-Off Conference successfully brought together young leaders and transatlantic stakeholders in a dynamic setting. With the generous support of Thermo Fisher Scientific, and hosted at the Siemens Global Leadership Center, the program provided a rich platform for dialogue and connection.
AmCham Germany extends its heartfelt thanks to all speakers and contributors, and congratulates the 27 NextGen participants, who in just a few days grew from strangers into a connected and forward-looking network. Their enthusiasm embodies the transatlantic spirit that drives AmCham Germany today and tomorrow.
