Christian Haenel began his tenure as President & CEO of American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AFAvH) in January 2023. He oversees AFAvH’s efforts in promoting transatlantic exchange and collaboration in science and research. Christian holds a master’s degree in history and economics. His academic studies led him to Bielefeld University, Germany, and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. After working in the media sales industry, Christian began his career in international relations as a trainee in leadership development at the Robert Bosch Stiftung in Stuttgart, Germany, one of Europe’s largest private foundations. In that capacity he also worked at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in Flint, Michigan. He rose through the ranks at Bosch, becoming Senior Vice President for International Relations, and ultimately a Member of the Executive Board and Senior Vice President for Future Issues and Foundation Development. Christian has worked on a wide range of issues, including science and education, international security, and corporate citizenship. He led various national and international programs and teams and coordinated high numbers of staff across units, functions, and geographies (Europe, Asia, USA, Northern Africa). He also co-led the strategic re-launch of Bosch’s international relations portfolio. For many years, Christian was Chair of the Selection Committee of the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program for American Leaders. He served as Member of the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association in Brussels, and as Advisory Board Member of the Thomas Mann House in Los Angeles, CA. Christian is also a Member of the Board of Directors of Cultural Vistas, a nonprofit exchange organization located in Washington, DC and Berlin.
