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KLU celebrates its path into the future

Classical music and traditional cuisine – for a community that above all looks in one direction: toward the future. Under the motto “Taste of Tomorrow – A Morning Full of Ideas,” Kühne Logistics University celebrated its fifteenth anniversary and opened a perspective on what is yet to come.

Two men are sitting at a table during the event, smiling and talking to each other. Plates of food and a bottle of water are in front of them, and other guests are seated in the background.

A “teenage” University, grown in excellence.

KLU President Prof. Dr. Andreas Kaplan emphasized: “From the very beginning, our mission was to be a world-class university. That only works through research – through excellent research – and through a true commitment to generating knowledge. To connect academia and practice, you don’t just need good professors – you need excellent ones. That is exactly what we are striving for.”

Reflecting on the institution’s development, Kaplan continued: “Now that we are, in a sense, coming of age, I can proudly say: this strategy has paid off. Rigorous research that is also highly relevant for practice has become part of our DNA – and that is what sets us apart. We are an autonomous, state-accredited university – with a strong, very strong foundation behind us, but still independent.”

Kaplan also recalled KLU’s roots: the “L” in KLU still stands for Logistics – but equally for Leadership and Learning. “Logistics is our foundation and our heritage. We carry it forward – into every program, into every mindset, and into our responsibility for the future.”

A community with an Operations Mindset

Jan Ehlers, Director of Executive Education, spoke about the attitude that shapes KLU: “We all know that we are living in a time of major economic challenges. Turning these challenges not only into something manageable but into success begins with the right mindset.”

This mindset – the Operations Mindset – lies at the heart of KLU and connects academic excellence with practical implementation. Ehlers explained: “I myself work with this pedagogical approach: leading with head, heart, and hand.”

He emphasized that education at KLU always goes beyond knowledge. “It’s about taking responsibility – for what lies ahead and for the impact we can have as a community.”

Five decisive attitudes and their logistics heritage

Prof. Dr. Alexander Himme, Dean of Programs, built on this: “We have this heritage in logistics and supply chain management – and whether we speak about marketing, accounting, or finance, there is a lot we can learn from this way of thinking.”

He described the attitude KLU seeks to instill in its students: “It’s not only about accumulating knowledge. It’s about understanding how to execute – how to navigate difficult times with a positive attitude and inspire others to do the same.”

Looking to the future

Dr. Immo Schmidt-Jortzig, Managing Director, looked ahead: “We are not a traditional university – and we do not intend to become one.” He underlined: “For us, higher education is not about simply passing on knowledge but about shaping it together – as a community united by attitude, curiosity, and innovation.”

Schmidt-Jortzig described how KLU is opening a new chapter with new locations around the world – from the recently opened campus in Vietnam to future collaborations in Africa and the Americas. “The world is changing fast, and we need leaders with an Operations Mindset who know how to truly get things done.”

Voices of practitioners and alumni

For KLU’s friends from the executive world – and for some who are also KLU alumni – the celebration offered a welcome opportunity to reconnect and reaffirm their ties with the university.

Tobias Schulze, Executive MBA graduate of KLU (Class of 2016) and now working at Beiersdorf, summed it up: “Back then, we honestly wondered where KLU would be heading. When we started in 2014, everything was still in its infancy – and now the university is really growing. It’s impressive. With its operations mindset, KLU has a long and very promising way ahead, and from my own work in operations I know: this truly gives its graduates an advantage for the future.”

Astrid Neben, Chief Human Resources Officer at Lufthansa, emphasized: “We want to strengthen and deepen our connection with KLU. I am actively looking for talent in our company who could join your programs, or maybe leadership courses, because your motto ‘Leading with an Operations Mindset’ really resonates with me. We have huge operations at Lufthansa, we need to get things done and at the same time stay connected to future topics like digitalization – and KLU provides exactly that.”

Misel Ahom, HRVP DE&I and Talent Acquisition at Beiersdorf, noted: “As a major company in Hamburg, we are always looking for capable, smart, international talent – and we believe KLU can truly provide that. We appreciate the international approach, the growth mindset instilled here, and it’s wonderful to see how vibrant, dynamic, and international this community is.”

For numerous alumni – including several who now hold leadership roles or collaborate with KLU again – the event became a special moment of reunion and reflection.

Pablo Carrasco Garrido, alumnus of the Master in Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Class of 2015), said: “It feels like a little nostalgia trip. KLU was the stepping stone to the life I have today – and I am truly grateful for that.”

Roshan Hegde, alumnus of the Master in Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Class of 2023), added: “It’s wonderful coming back and reconnecting with professors, staff, and alumni from different years. KLU is growing a lot, and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Charlotte Keller, alumna of the Master in Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Class of 2023), added: “It sounds like real growth – like we’re becoming present at more universities around the globe. It really feels like we are growing, and I’m very happy to be part of it.”

The anniversary celebration showed what defines KLU: a community in motion, one that sees challenges as opportunities and actively shapes the future – with head, heart, and hand.

Photo Impressions

Two people are engaged in a conversation during a networking moment at a KLU event. The person on the left is older, wearing glasses, a dark zip-up sweater, and a light collared shirt underneath. Their hands are slightly lifted as they seem to be actively explaining something. The person on the right, also wearing glasses, stands with one hand resting near their neck, listening attentively.
A woman is seated at a table during an event, listening and engaging in the conversation. She has her hands clasped and is surrounded by other attendees, with glasses and plates on the table in front of her.
A man is seated at a table during the event, listening attentively. He is wearing glasses and a white shirt, with other guests visible around him.
A long table is set up for a meal during the event, with many guests seated on both sides, eating and talking.
A woman is seated at a table during the event, smiling and talking with others.
Two men are sitting at a table during the event, smiling and talking to each other. Plates of food and a bottle of water are in front of them, and other guests are seated in the background.
A woman is standing and smiling toward the camera at an indoor event. She is wearing a black and white patterned top, holding papers in her hand. Other guests can be seen seated and talking in the background.
A large group of people is seated at tables during an indoor event, listening and engaging with what is happening.
Three people are standing on stage during the event. One woman is speaking into a microphone, while the other two listen attentively.
A woman and a man are seated at a table during the event. The woman is looking toward the camera, while the man is looking slightly away. Food, drinks, and other guests are visible in the background.
The two people seated at the table are smiling and interacting while opening small boxes, with wrapped gifts and food visible in front of them.
A man is speaking with two other people at an indoor event. He has his arms folded and appears to be listening attentively.
A man and a woman are having a friendly conversation while standing at a table indoors. The man is wearing a dark sweater and has a name tag, and the woman is wearing glasses and a light blue shirt. People are seated and talking in the background. A small plant sits on the table next to them.
Two men are standing together indoors, smiling at the camera. One is holding a glass and wearing a red hoodie under a blazer, while the other is dressed in a dark jacket. The background shows large windows with an outdoor view.
A man is standing on stage speaking into a microphone in front of an audience. Behind him is a large backdrop showing a group of graduates in caps and gowns.
Two women are standing together indoors, smiling at the camera. One is wearing a red blouse, the other a blue patterned dress. The background shows a distinctive gold, rounded structure inside a modern building.
Two chocolate bars are held up close to the camera. The packaging reads “Getting Things Done – completing tasks efficiently and turning visions into action,” with a small KLU logo and the phrase “Chocolate counts as a task.” The background is slightly blurred, showing an indoor event setting.
A woman is standing and speaking into a microphone in front of seated guests. Behind her is a large backdrop featuring graduates in caps and gowns. The audience is seated at a long table during an event.
Several people are seated at a table during an event, raising their hands and smiling. The atmosphere appears engaged and interactive.
Three women are standing together in conversation at an event. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying the exchange. One of them is holding a cup, and the background shows other attendees networking.
Two people are standing together at the event, listening attentively. One is wearing a patterned top and glasses, and the other a dark shirt and glasses. Other attendees can be seen in the background.
A woman is playing a saxophone indoors near a staircase, likely providing live music during the event. She is dressed in a dark suit and appears focused on her performance.
Andreas Kaplan is speaking on stage with a microphone during an event. Behind him is a large backdrop showing graduates in academic caps and gowns with the KLU logo and the phrase “Leading with an Operations Mindset.” Several people are seated in the audience in the foreground.
A woman is seated at a table during an event, listening attentively. She is wearing a bright orange top with a name tag and has a glass of wine in front of her. Others are seated nearby and appear engaged in the conversation.
A hand is drawing on a tablet using a digital pen, working on a visual sketch that includes text and simple illustrations. Paper notes with sketches and a printed document are placed next to the tablet on the table.
A man is seated at a table during an event, engaging in conversation. He is wearing a white shirt and appears focused, gesturing with his hand.

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