Kerstin von Aretin

I admire people and organizations that are fully committed to making our world a more just, peaceful, and sustainable place. My strongest passion is building and developing organizations and teams and making them work, surpassed only by my fascination for the magic of human interaction and communication. Currently I lead the BMW Foundation’s RISE Cities program and previously to that I worked with the German Research Center for Environmental Health part of the Helmholtz Zentrum Munich as well as the pharmaceutical corporate Hoechst/Aventis. Having worked in various leadership functions across sectors such as industry, NGOs, public sector and consulting has provided me with strong networks and sharpened my ability to identify opportunities 'on the horizon' and to engage with thought leaders or key stakeholders so as to make opportunities real. My jobs have taught me important lessons about human nature, the role of empathy, the need for creativity and a willingness to boldly embrace the new or to inspire others as well as the ability to self-reflect. And not to forget - the ability to let go - qualities I have also been able to practice and hone as a mother of three children.