Board of Trustees, foundation CEO and WIFU foundation team members

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp
Chair of the Board of Trustees at the WIFU Foundation, Chair of the Family Council and the Executive Board of E. Merck KG

A network of trust between family businesses has developed within the WIFU Foundation’s circle of supporters where participants’ questions and issues can be discussed between equals openly, respectfully and competently. The Foundation’s exclusive events offer a multitude of problem-solving approaches and experiences from which every family can learn something new. In my opinion, this network is unique and offers a fantastic opportunity for every business family to learn, make valuable new contacts and exchange experiences with like-minded colleagues.

Christiane Dethleffsen
Chair of the Business Family Committee at HDGF Familienholding GmbH & Co. KG

The WIFU Foundation enables business families to develop and change by studying their differences and discussing them. Our network dialogue, based on openness and trust, engenders an atmosphere of multiple perspectives, creates its own dynamics and may lead to unique solutions.

Prof. Rainer Kirchdörfer
Lawyer, Partner at Hennerkes, Kirchdörfer & Lorz

Family businesses are as diverse and complex as life itself. Only those who understand the family as well as the business and are able to give both entities a structure will know how to negotiate the contradictions of the two systems. The WIFU Foundation constantly manages to navigate this opaque environment of questions and problems. As a result of their work, many business families and their companions now find themselves on safer ground.

Wilfried Neuhaus-Galladé
Managing partner at J. D. Neuhaus GmbH & Co. KG

While working with the WIFU Foundation, I realised that things are developed collaboratively into solutions that are highly individualised. There is no template but instead, a highly personalised and case-specific solution tailored to each family.

Dr.-Ing. Anna-Katharina Wittenstein
Member of the Management Board and shareholder of WITTENSTEIN SE

The work of the WIFU Foundation is a customised and inspiring enrichment for us as a sponsor, company and business family. We are active in various working groups and experience a variety of perspectives, discussions and solutions in a trusting and open atmosphere at eye level - always focussed on current issues and the needs of the company or family.