New Appointment: DIHK Welcomes Melnikov as Its New Chief Executive Officer
Helena Melnikov, a seasoned professional with a background in association work, is set to take over as the President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) in Berlin, starting from January 1, 2025. This transition comes after Martin Wansleben, the current President, announced his retirement at the end of 2024, marking the end of his 23-year tenure.
Melnikov's career in association work began with her service as President of the Hamburg Exchange Warehouse Association. She later moved on to the Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade, and Services, where she honed her skills in advocacy and policy leadership.
In 2025, Melnikov will assume the role of Executive Director (Hauptgeschäftsführerin) of DIHK, a position she has held since an unspecified date prior to her presidency. During her time as Executive Director, she has been actively engaged in economic and trade policy debates, particularly concerning transatlantic trade relations and tariff issues.
Melnikov's professional background includes significant involvement in managing the challenges German businesses face with international trade tensions. She has publicly articulated concerns about the detrimental effects of U.S. tariff policies on German firms, emphasizing the need for stable, predictable transatlantic economic relations.
In addition to her work at DIHK, Melnikov is currently the President of the Association for Materials Management, Purchasing, and Logistics. She has been serving in this role since 2021.
Melnikov holds a PhD in jurisprudence, reflecting her deep understanding of legal and policy matters. Her presidency at DIHK is set to begin on January 1, 2025, marking a new era of leadership for the chamber.
Wansleben's departure from DIHK marks the end of a long and successful tenure. During his 23 years as President, he has been instrumental in shaping the chamber's direction and advocating for German businesses on the national and international stage. His retirement will undoubtedly be a significant loss for DIHK, but the chamber is in capable hands with Melnikov at the helm.
References:
- German Chamber of Commerce announces new President
- Helena Melnikov: A new era for DIHK begins
- Melnikov's concerns about U.S. tariffs
- Stable transatlantic economic relations crucial for German firms
- DIHK's new President to focus on trade policy
- Helena Melnikov, with her extensive experience in association work and expertise in finance and business, will bring valuable insights to her new role as President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).
- As Melnikov transitions from her role as Executive Director to President of DIHK, she is expected to continue advocating for stabilizing transatlantic economic relations and addressing concerns faced by German businesses in international trade.
