As of 1 November 2022, Dr Johannes C. Bauer will head the research department of the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute as a member of the Executive Board. Bauer holds a doctorate in behavioural science. In his academic career, he taught and conducted research at New York University and at the University of St. Gallen, where he is still an adjunct lecturer. He also worked as a strategy consultant focusing on the retail and consumer goods industries. "I am stepping into big shoes and am happy to be able to take on responsibility at this unique institute," Bauer said.
Karin Frick, the incumbent GDI Think Tank head, will focus on individual research projects, publications and presentations as the institute’s principal researcher. "Succession planning is one of the biggest challenges for SMEs today and crucial for their long-term success. That’s why you should start early with the handover of management tasks", says Frick, who has been crucial in shaping GDI’s agenda for almost thirty years.
Lukas Jezler, CEO of the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, is delighted: "Johannes Bauer is the perfect successor as our Head Think Tank. With his theoretical and practical retail expertise, he will further strengthen our competence in the core topic of retail."