Who we are
The Foundation is steered by two bodies: the Foundation Council and the Executive Board. Each body can have up to five members. The founder, Prof. Hasso Plattner, serves as a strategic advisor to the Foundation Council and the Executive Board in all matters of business.
The Foundation Council
The Foundation Council’s responsibilities include advising and supervising the Executive Board, approving the budget and annual accounts, and defining the strategic principles and priorities of the Foundation’s work.
It consists of the Chair of the Foundation, John Flüh, the Vice Chair, Dr. Kristina Plattner, Sabine Plattner, Stefanie Plattner and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. Dr. h.c. Sabine Kunst.
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The above-mentioned family members are permanent members of the Foundation Council, with their term of office being unlimited. The two external members are designated by the Foundation Council, and their five-year term can be renewed up to a maximum of three times. The Foundation Council is involved in all decisions of fundamental importance for the Foundation. The Chair coordinates the work of the Foundation Council, convening and leading its regular meetings.
The Foundation Council meets at least three times a year and decides by resolution, which can also be passed outside of meetings. Generally, resolutions require a simple majority of the votes cast.
John Flüh
Chair, External Member
John Flüh practiced as a lawyer and notary in corporate and real estate law with the law firm Hengeler Mueller in Berlin from 1991 to 2023. He has served as the Chair of the Foundation Council since its establishment in 2015.
Dr. Kristina Plattner
Vice Chair, Permanent Member
Dr. Kristina Plattner is a permanent member of the Foundation Council of the Hasso Plattner Foundation. She focuses on projects related to the African continent, with a strong emphasis on education, environmental protection, and nature conservation.
Sabine Plattner
Permanent Member
Sabine Plattner is a permanent member of the Foundation Council of the Hasso Plattner Foundation. She initiated Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC), a charitable subsidiary of the Foundation, and is one of the Founding Directors of Leadership for Conservation in Africa.
Stefanie Plattner
Permanent Member
Stefanie Plattner is a film director and producer. She is a permanent member of the Foundation Council of the Hasso Plattner Foundation, the founder of TALES, and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at the Wildenstein Plattner Institute. She also plays an active role in the development and programming of DAS MINSK Kunsthaus in Potsdam.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. Dr. h.c. Sabine Kunst
External Member
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. Dr. h.c. Sabine Kunst joined the Foundation Council of the Hasso Plattner Foundation in January 2023. She is an engineer, with a wealth of experience in scientific and academic management positions.
Executive Board
The Executive Board reports to the Foundation Council and is responsible for executing the Foundation’s strategy. It may consist of up to five members, each elected for up to a five-year term, with the regular possibility of up to two re-elections. The members of the Executive Board jointly manage the operations of the Foundation.
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They develop the Foundation’s roadmap and financial plan and coordinate its implementation with the Foundation Council. Through regular dialogue, quarterly reports, and strategic workshops, the Executive Board keeps the Foundation Council informed about all developments and progress across the Foundation’s ecosystem.
The Executive Board currently consists of two members: Dr. Stephanie Ullrich and Dr. Rouven Westphal.
Dr. Stephanie Ullrich
Board Member
Dr. Stephanie Ullrich is a member of the Executive Board of the Hasso Plattner Foundation. In this role, she oversees the Foundation’s diverse charitable projects across all focus areas, as well as its impact management.
Dr. Rouven Westphal
Board Member
Dr. Rouven Westphal has been a member of the Executive Board of the Hasso Plattner Foundation since 2015. In this role, he is responsible for the Hasso Plattner Institute, Data4Life, and the Investment Office managing the Endowment to support the Foundation's mission into perpetuity.