Event language
“Bleibt das jetzt so? Über Störungen als neue Normalität - Is this here to stay? Disruption as the new normal
Recent years have shown that supply chains are no longer merely an operational concern. Geopolitical conflicts, blocked trade routes, and component shortages are increasingly presenting companies with unexpected challenges. How can companies maintain stability and respond effectively in an uncertain, fragmented world?
We will explore how organizations can build resilience through alternative sourcing, greater transparency, and strategic buffers—and discuss the decisions this requires from senior management.
The event is co-hosted by Harvard Business manager and Kühne Logistics University.
Join us! Register your interest here
Limited number of participants
Evening agenda
Is this here to stay? Disruption as the new normal.
Program
18:00–18:30h | Arrival
18:30–18:40h | Welcome & Introduction
Welcome: Prof. Dr. Andreas Kaplan, President & Managing Director, Professor of Digital Transformation, Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
Moderator: Gesine Braun, Editor-in-Chief, Harvard Business Manager
18:40–19:20h | Panel Discussion and Q&A
Michael Frey, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Beiersdorf
Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg, Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Strategy, Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
Carola Appel, Managing Director of Supply Chain, Carl Kühne KG
Dr. Judith Jules Muster, Consultant, Researcher, and Writer
19:20–19:50 h | Breakout sessions and interactive, in-depth discussions
19:50–20:00 h | Key takeaways & closing remarks
20:00 h | Networking
Speakers & Facilitators
Harvard Business manager
Gesine Braun, Editor-in-Chief
Gesine Braun holds a degree in economics and graduated from the Cologne School of Journalism. She began her professional career in the business section of the magazine “Max.” In 2005, she joined “brand eins” as an editor. First joined Harvard Business manager as an editor in 2011. After returning to “brand eins” in 2016, she first took on the role of editorial director and later became deputy editor-in-chief. In 2023, Braun assumed the position of deputy editor-in-chief of “Harvard Business Manager”; she has been its editor-in-chief since April 2026.
Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
Prof. Dr. Andreas Kaplan, President & Managing Director, Professor of Digital Transformation
As a professor of digital transformation, Kaplan focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence, social media, and virtual reality on the economy and society.
Kaplan has many years of experience in academic leadership and is internationally recognized as an expert in higher education. Before joining KLU, he held various leadership roles at ESCP Business School, including serving as provost for all six European campuses and as dean in Berlin and Paris. He began his academic career at ESSEC Business School and Sciences Po Paris. In addition, he advises universities and EdTech startups.
Kaplan completed his habilitation at the Sorbonne and earned his doctorate jointly from the University of Cologne and HEC Paris, with a period of research at INSEAD. He holds an MPA from ENA, an MBA from thePower, an ITP certificate from the Kellogg School of Management, and an MSc from ESCP. Previously, he studied at LMU Munich.
Beiersdorf
Michael Frey, Chief Supply Chain Officer
Michael Frey has served as Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) of Beiersdorf AG and as a member of its Executive Committee since July 1, 2024. Frey previously served as Vice President of Supply Chain for RUMEAA (Russia, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia) at Beiersdorf. He has worked at the company since 2011 in various operational roles within the global supply chain. Among other positions, he served as Managing Director at Beiersdorf Manufacturing Berlin and, as Supply Chain Director, was responsible for the regions of Australia and New Zealand as well as Germany and Switzerland. Frey joined Beiersdorf from the automotive supplier Brose Group. To take on his role as CSCO, Frey relocated from Dubai to Hamburg to further strengthen the modernized and internationally oriented supply chain organization.
Carl Kühne KG
Carola Appel, Managing Director, Supply Chain
Carola Appel has served as Managing Director of Supply Chain since September 1, 2024. She began her career with a degree in mechanical engineering and gained her first professional experience in industry. She entered the food industry at the Müller Group. After earning an additional degree in logistics management, she was able to put theory into practice there. Another career milestone was her time at Greenyard Fresh Germany, where she first gained professional experience with fresh fruits and vegetables. She then took over as head of Gläserne Molkerei GmbH, guiding the company through a transformation and sale process. Carola Appel loves beer gardens—at home, Kühne cornichons with jalapeños are a staple on her traditional snack platter.
Dr. Judith Jules Muster, Consultant, Researcher, and Writer
Dr. Judith Jules Muster is a consultant, researcher, and writer. As a partner at Metaplan, Muster advises companies and public-sector organizations on reorganization, strategy development, and cultural change. Muster’s academic work includes research, teaching, and publications at the University of Potsdam on the organizational implications of digitalization, post-bureaucratic organizational models, and the possibilities and limits of leadership. Muster is the author or co-author of Bits & Bolzen – Wenn Industriewelten verschmelzen (2026), Führung managen (2025), Die Humanisierung der Organisation – Wie man dem Menschen gerecht wird, indem man den Großteil seines Wesens ignoriert (2022), and Postbürokratisches Organisieren (2021). This work has received several awards and distinctions, most recently recognition by Personalmagazin as one of the 40 leading figures in HR. Muster is also co-managing director of Gesellschaft für Verwaltungsinnovation, a member of the scientific advisory board of Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, and a member of Dataport’s digital advisory board.LinkedIn
Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg, Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Strategy
Prof. Dr. Kai Hoberg is a professor of supply chain and operations strategy at Kühne Logistics University (KLU), where he served as department chair from 2017 to 2023. His research focuses on supply chain analysis, supply chain strategy, and the use of technology in supply chains. He publishes regularly in leading academic journals and combines practical data analysis with scientific modeling approaches. Prior to his academic career, Prof. Hoberg worked as a strategy consultant and manager at Booz & Company, where he led supply chain and operations projects for companies across various industries. He has also served as a visiting scholar at renowned universities worldwide, including Cornell University, the University of Oxford, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Sydney.
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