The BOARD CONNECT Advisory Team
Competence and trust –
the result of many years of shared experience
BOARD CONNECT comprises an excellently coordinated team that has been a recognized and established player in executive search/advisory for many years. Its effectiveness stems from its long history of working together and decades of experience gained through activities in globally operating executive search firms. Through diverse project structures, it has built trusting relationships with candidates and clients in Germany, Europe, and overseas, from which our clients can benefit today.
Brief Profile
Tiemo Kracht is the founder and owner of BOARD CONNECT GmbH and has been a fixture in executive search in Germany for almost 30 years. Working closely with entrepreneurial families and owners, supervisory, administrative, and advisory boards, the public sector, and executive boards and managing directors, Dr. Kracht is involved in filling executive and management positions and has made a name for himself in conducting insightful management audits. Dr. Kracht has professionally managed over 1,500 cross-industry executive search processes at board level and in upper management.
Experience
at a glance
- Eleven years as managing director in the Kienbaum Group – most recently as spokesman for the management of Kienbaum Executive Consultants International GmbH / Partner at Kienbaum & Partner GmbH / Responsible for international business: Scandinavia, USA, previously Russia
- Three years as senior partner and managing director at Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., then one of the top three executive search firms, based in Chicago. IL, USA / Member of the European Management Committee
- Eight years as senior consultant, partner, and managing partner at Odgers Berndtson, Frankfurt am Main
- Studied economics, political science, and Eastern European history at the universities of Kiel, Penn State (USA), and Bratislava / Diploma and doctorate / University lecturer at Pennsylvania State University / USA
After holding specialist and management positions in the private and public sectors, Dr. Kracht decided to switch to executive search in 1995 and is now “one of Germany’s most prominent executive search consultants” (DIE WELT) and one of “Germany’s most influential headhunters” (Wirtschaftswoche 12/2014).
Brief Profile
Regina Kracht is the managing director of BOARD CONNECT GmbH and works at the company’s headquarters in Hamburg. She brings over 25 years of professional experience from renowned commercial enterprises to her consulting work. Her focus has been on corporate communications, public relations, brand management, marketing, sales, and sophisticated event management in the context of business and politics (sales, trade fairs, specialist conferences, political salons, major musical events, sponsorship, and customer events with special formats).
In addition to her involvement in consulting projects, Regina Kracht is dedicated to business development, maintaining contacts, and representing BOARD CONNECT in a broad economic and social context.
Experience
at a glance
The spectrum of her professional activities covers the following areas
- Five years at Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Hamburg/Frankfurt) – commercial focus
- Ten years in finance, including five years at Gothaer Group (Göttingen/Cologne)
- Corporate communications & event management
- Eight years as a senior consultant in Frankfurt PR/communications and advertising agencies – Brand & product PR, corporate communications, media & political relations, events
- Several ears of freelance work as an event manager and real estate agent
Brief Profile
Katja de Jong is Director and Regional Manager BeNeLux at BOARD CONNECT, operating out of Hamburg and the Netherlands. She has worked in executive search for over fourteen years – specializing in international, cross-border, and national mandates for leadership and top-level positions. She supports her clients holistically in filling complex roles, during leadership and governance transformation processes, and in organizational change related to leadership structures and development.
Experience
at a glance
- Focused on the entire spectrum of transnational, pan-European, and national search mandates
- Extensive experience in independently managing complex projects and mandates
- Consulting on change processes related to management structures and organizational development
- Previously Senior Consultant at InterSearch Executive Consultants, Cologne – Project responsibility for various industries and functional areas
- Several years at Kienbaum Consultants International, Düsseldorf – Executive Search & “Female Desk / Women in Leadership”
- Active involvement as ambassador for internal networking and innovation initiatives with a focus on collaboration and internationality
- Previous position at Amrop Delta Management Consultants, Düsseldorf – executive search research & market analysis
- Studied criminology (M.Sc.) with a focus on “Crime & Organizations” at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Brief Profile
Daniel Albrecht is a director / ppa. at BOARD CONNECT’s Hamburg office and has been working in management advisory and executive search for over ten years. He focuses on filling key positions in technology-driven environments and evaluating leaders as part of structured management audits.
As part of the board services team, he supports supervisory boards, advisory boards, and executive boards in further developing good corporate governance. This includes, in particular, the systematic evaluation of the work of governing bodies, the design and review of executive board remuneration, and strategic support for supervisory board appointments and compositions. His clients include listed companies, international medium-sized companies, and organizations of public interest.
Experience
at a glance
- Several years at Kienbaum Consultants International in Hamburg and Cologne
- Studied business administration (B.A. & M.A.) with a focus on marketing and sales
- Currently: DBA studies at Middlesex University London with a focus on resilience in the HR context
- Consulting on supervisory board appointments, committee composition, and corporate governance
- Specialization in technology-oriented industries, the digital economy, transport, and logistics
Brief Profile
Regina Reinhardt heads the BOARD CONNECT hub in Southern Germany, based in Karlsruhe. She is a recognized executive search professional with 20 years of experience advising demanding clients and managing national and international search and consulting mandates across a wide range of industries.
Experience
at a glance
- Ten years as a consultant and senior consultant for the consulting firm Odgers Berndtson Germany – including several years abroad in Prague and Vienna
- Eight years as a senior consultant in the Kienbaum Group with a focus on executive search and management assessment
- Previously two years as a project manager in a small, specialized executive search consulting firm in the Rhine-Main area
- More than 1,000 search mandates since the late 1990s, with targeted candidate approach for first and second management levels as well as other key positions in the corporate structure
- Consulting focus: Recruitment processes in medium-sized companies, across the entire spectrum of finance, automotive, and industry
Brief Profile
Heike Johannes, Senior Client Partner, has been managing demanding client relationships, search projects, and management audits at BOARD CONNECT for many years. She draws on over 28 years of professional experience in executive search and management diagnostics.
Experience
at a glance
- Ten years as a senior consultant in executive search and management assessment at Kienbaum Executive Consultants International in Hamburg
- Many years as a (senior) project manager for the US executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., with positions in Munich and Hamburg
- Professional experience with a Japanese computer manufacturer and in sales for an international computer wholesaler
- Several years of experience in international tourism and hotel management with numerous assignments abroad
- In-depth expertise in filling executive and senior management positions as well as recruiting for key positions in company development—particularly in the industrial, SME, chemical, energy, financial services, and public sectors
Brief Profile
Petra Pavlik is a Senior Client Partner at BOARD CONNECT-HUB Mitte / Rhein-Main. She has been an active and reliable project partner in executive search for over 25 years, focusing on senior and middle management positions in the financial services industry, particularly in the insurance sector, as well as across the entire spectrum of professional services. With in-depth market knowledge, extensive project experience, and mature networks, she supports her clients efficiently, discreetly, and sustainably in demanding recruitment projects.
Experience
at a glance
- Nine years as Senior Project Consultant at Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH, Executive Search, Frankfurt am Main
- Ten years as Consultant and Senior Consultant at Odgers Berndtson Germany, Frankfurt am Main
- Three years as Conference Manager at Management Circle AG, a provider of professional development
- Training as an insurance broker and study of economics at Goethe University Frankfurt, degree: Diplom-Kauffrau
- Long-standing network and comprehensive industry expertise in the search and selection of executives and (senior) managers in the financial services industry and professional services environment
Brief Profile
Kira Westermann works as a principal in the Executive Search and Management Assessment division at BOARD CONNECT GmbH’s Berlin office. With around ten years of experience in industry and HR consulting, she brings in-depth knowledge and a deep understanding of both sides of the market to her projects. This expertise particularly benefits her medium-sized clients—whether in the targeted filling of key positions or in demanding management audits.
Experience
at a glance
- Several years of experience in key account management for one of Germany’s largest family-owned companies in the consumer goods sector
- Previously at Heidrick & Struggles in the field of executive search and leadership consulting with positions in Germany and abroad, focusing on global technology practice
- Employed by the Kienbaum Group in Hamburg during her studies
- Double degree (Master of Science in Management & Grade de Master Programme Grande École) from ESCP Europe Business School; fluent in German, English, and Spanish
- Consulting focus on the digital, consumer goods, retail, and financial services industries
Brief Profile
Sarah Kohrs is a Senior Research Consultant at BOARD CONNECT and handles national and international search mandates at the executive and management level. She supports clients and candidates throughout the entire project process—from the initial market analysis to target company and candidate lists, direct approaches, interviews, presentations, and final placements. Her focus is on structured research, sound assessment of candidates, and reliable project management. In addition, she takes on selected internal tasks in the areas of marketing and trade fair organization.
Experience
at a glance
- Experience in external marketplace management at ABOUT YOU Holding SE with a focus on process and data optimization
- Work in management consulting with a focus on project management and social media marketing
- Studied economics at Christian Albrecht University in Kiel, graduating with a B.A.
Brief Profile
Born in Vienna, she has been firmly established in the field of executive search for more than 25 years. As part of Team Dr. Kracht, she is responsible for office management, which includes assisting the owner and business development in the national and international environment. In addition, Bettina Gregor is involved in the successful management of demanding consulting mandates in executive search.
Experience
at a glance
- Eleven years as Head of Office Management in the Executive Search division of the Kienbaum Group / Executive Assistant to Dr. Tiemo Kracht, Managing Partner and Spokesperson for the Management Board
- Four years as Executive Assistant at the globally active US executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles
- Previously: InterAction Council (IAC), an association of former heads of state and government based in Vienna, as well as positions at the advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, the Austrian Cultural Institute in New York City, and the Austrian Consulate General in Hamburg
- Diploma from ESA – European Schools for Higher Education in Administration and Management, an international education network
Brief Profile
The certified business administrator is responsible for project organization and coordination at BOARD CONNECT, ensuring optimal technical and administrative project management as well as the documentation of high-quality candidate dossiers and status reports. Her unit is also responsible for preparing quotations, coordinating project-related deadlines, and maintaining the database. For 20 years, she has been a dedicated contact person for candidates and clients in all organizational and technical matters, including travel planning and finances.
Experience
at a glance
- 13 years as a project assistant, executive assistant, and head of project organization in the Executive Search / Personnel Consulting division of the Kienbaum Group. During this time, she was already active for Team Dr. Kracht and brings experience from more than 1,000 search mandates to her efficient, quality-conscious coordination work.
- Previously: Worked for a Hamburg-based personnel services company as well as in the upscale hotel industry and tourism marketing.
Brief Profile
Daniela Jeutter is responsible for project organization and coordination at BOARD CONNECT GmbH. She ensures optimal project management from the preparation of quotations to the conclusion of contracts between clients and candidates. She acts as a reliable contact person for all those involved in the project and provides support in project-related scheduling, travel planning and accounting, as well as database maintenance and the creation of high-quality candidate dossiers and status reports.
Experience
at a glance
- 11 years of successful work as a project assistant in the Executive Search division of Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH in Hamburg
- Three years as general sales assistant at the German sales branch of an Austrian household goods retailer
- Four years as purchasing assistant in the textile division of an online start-up, member of the Otto Group, Hamburg
- Training as a wholesale and foreign trade clerk at Otto (GmbH & Co. KG), and previously as a state-certified commercial assistant
Brief Profile
Dr. Olaf Scheer is a Senior Partner at BOARD CONNECT in Munich and was a bank manager and management consultant before joining BOARD CONNECT.
Dr. Scheer’s USP lies in his ability to pinpoint his clients’ executivel requirements from a strategic and conceptual perspective and with an eye on the current organizational and personnel structure, thus ensuring that the selected candidates are a very good fit for the position to be filled, both professionally and personally. The combination of his two professional pillars prior to his time at BOARD CONNECT as a top manager and entrepreneur/management consultant makes Dr. Scheer a valuable discussion partner for his clients, also due to his critically constructive and solution-oriented nature.
Experience
at a glance
- Dr. Scheer made a lasting impression at Bayerische Vereinsbank, Dresdner Bank, and HypoVereinsbank at a young age and rose quickly through the ranks. At Dresdner Bank, he was responsible for its further development into “Dresdner Bank – Die Beraterbank” (Dresdner Bank – The Advisory Bank), and later at HypoVereinsbank, Dr. Scheer was initially a member of the management board for private and commercial customers in Germany. Later, Dr. Scheer played a key role in driving the expansion of HypoVereinsbank in Eastern Europe. As a C-1 manager, he was a member of the supervisory boards of various group companies in Germany and abroad.
- As a management consultant, Dr. Scheer played a key role in shaping the successful development of the management consultancy zeb. He won important projects for zeb at large, regional, and private banks in Germany and abroad and successfully completed them for his clients.
- Dr. Scheer was a member of the management board of the zeb group for 14 years and a senior partner for a further four years. During this time, Dr. Scheer frequently dealt with top management recruitment issues.
Brief Profile
As Managing Partner, Alexander Gregor successfully supports national and international executive search processes for management positions in the consumer goods, retail, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries. He advises companies across all industries on filling management positions in sales and marketing. In addition, Alexander Gregor can draw on almost 20 years of practical management experience in general management, sales, and marketing in the consumer goods industry.
Experience
at a glance
- Ten years as partner and internationally coordinating practice head for the consumer/retail competence field at Kienbaum
- Three years as partner in the Hamburg office of Heidrick & Struggles, during which time he was responsible, among other things, for the European coordination of recruitment activities for one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies
- Eight years as managing director in Hamburg and member of the global management board of the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding, responsible for global business relations with a global personal care manufacturer from Hamburg and a leading Swiss chocolate manufacturer
- Prior to that, Alexander Gregor worked for consumer goods manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive for almost 13 years. During this time, he held various marketing positions and served as managing director in Vienna, Hamburg, and New York.
- Studied commercial sciences at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Extended stays abroad in the USA and Spain. Alexander Gregor is fluent in German, English, and French and has a good command of Spanish.
Brief Profile
Dirk Lindemann is Senior Advisor at BOARD CONNECT GmbH, based in Bornheim near Cologne. For over 20 years, he has been successfully recruiting top managers, executives, and senior experts for national and international clients. His consulting services focus on financial services, particularly the entire spectrum of insurance. His consulting activities also extend to the field of professional services, with a focus on national and international law firms, tax consulting, auditing, and management consulting.
Experience
at a glance
- Nine years as partner and deputy head of the Financial Services and Professional Services practice groups and, for a time, co-head of the Executive Search division at the Cologne office of Kienbaum Executive Consultants GmbH / Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH
- Eleven years as a consultant, including nine years as a partner at Ray & Berndtson / Odgers Berndtson in Frankfurt am Main; established the “Legal Recruitment for Law Firms” division; co-head of the European Practice Group Insurance, filling numerous management and expert positions for German and international primary insurers and reinsurers
- Eleven years of professional experience at the Gerling Group headquarters in Cologne, including as in-house counsel in the central group legal department, followed by several years as an independent lawyer and in management roles in industrial insurance, most recently as Chief Underwriter Marine and Aviation with global portfolio management for the group’s worldwide transport, aviation, and aerospace insurance business
- Studied law in Bonn, completed legal training in the Rhineland and at the German Embassy in Rome; speaks fluent German and English and has a good knowledge of French
Brief Profile
Andrea Viehauser is a Managing Director at BOARD CONNECT and an established executive search consultant with a focus on Austria and the CEE region.
Working in trusted partnership with owners, supervisory and advisory boards, as well as executive and management teams, she supports organizations in appointing key leadership positions and advising on strategic matters of leadership and governance.
Combining analytical precision with a deep understanding of organizational culture and individual fit, Andrea Viehauser focuses particularly on the insurance, energy, logistics, industrial, and public sectors – with C-level and board appointments across German-speaking and international markets.
Experience
at a glance
- Managing Partner Austria & CEE at Selion Global / Boutique consulting firm specializing in Executive Search, Board Advisory and Leadership Development
- Client Partner at Chaberton Partners / International human-capital firm headquartered in Switzerland
- Managing Director and Head of the Competence Centre Financial Services at Neumann & Partners
- Managing Partner at LAB & Company in Vienna
- Associate Partner at Amrop Jenewein / Led mandates in Financial Services and Industry / Returned in 2017 as Managing Director (appointed 2019)
- Degree in Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business / Master of Social and Economic Sciences