Imme GodthardtNew Managing Director of the Business School

30 January 2025

Photo: Private

On 1 January 2025, Imme Godthardt became the new managing director of the University of Hamburg Business School. In this interview, she talks about her experiences, plans for the Business School and personal memories from her time as a student at the University.

On 1 January 2025, Imme Godthardt became new managing director of the University of Hamburg Business School. After many years in management positions in the media industry, she recently worked as a start-up coach at the Knowledge Exchange Agency of the University of Hamburg and as a freelance coach and leadership and empowerment trainer.

What attracted you to the position of managing director?

The broad range of topics that converge here and the opportunity to contribute to the strategic goals of the Business School. And, of course, working with the many wonderful people at the Business School.

What ideas and topics would you like to develop further in the Business School?

I aim for stronger networking with the startup ecosystem and the economy. Internationalization and digitalization and process optimization are also key topics that I would like to pursue.

What experience will help you most in meeting this new challenge?

First of all, the soft skills I acquired as a manager, and through my training as a coach and change coach. I can also benefit from my experience in innovation development as a start-up coach and as head of international ad sales and sales intelligence /market analysis at Axel Springer, which allowed me to gain international and process automation experience.

What excites you about coaching?

People have great ideas, which they can realize if they overcome mental blocks and fears. It feels great to provide this kind of support. I thus find it important to build a thriving workplace culture.

You studied business administration at the University of Hamburg. What memories do you have of this time?

Above all, friendships, fun, the canteen, lots of coffee in the Wiwi-Bunker, and long vacations.

Thank you very much for the interview.