Dr. Hahn is the renowned former Chairman of the Volkswagen Group. Under his chairmanship the Group has expanded from producing 2 million cars in 1982 to its 3.5 million capacity in 1992, also acquiring SKODA in the Czech Republic.
Dr. Hahn shows decision makers how to develop and implement business strategies to create competitive advantage and to enhance brand image.
Carl Hahn was born in Saxony, studied Business Administration at the University of Cologne and Zurich, Economics in Bristol and Paris. He also graduated as a Doctor of Economics at the University of Bern, Switzerland.
His steep career with Volkswagen Group led him to several senior positions including CEO of Volkswagen of America Inc. After a break of 10 years as Chairman of Continental Gummiwerke AG, a leading international rubber and tyre manufacturer, Carl returned in 1982 as Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen, a position he held until December 1992. He drove Volkswagen to the heights of success, with heavy investments in the ?Golf?, now one of the most successful cars ever built.
Besides being a member of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen, he is the Honorary Chairman of Audi, SEAT and SKODA. He now serves on numerous boards in Europe and the USA, including Perot Systems Corp (US), Benetton (Italy), Gerling-Konzern, Thyssen (Germany), TRW Inc. (Cleveland), Hawesko and Compass. Dr. Hahn is a Member of the International Advisory Board of Textron Inc. and Timken Company. He is also advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and President of the German-Czech Chamber of Commerce. He was selected as one of Corporate America?s Outstanding Directors 1999 (Director?s Alert, USA).
An astute corporate manager and business guru, Dr. Hahn in now highly sought after as a speaker at leading conferences around the globe.
Carl presents in English and German.