Kühne Foundation names Dr. Niklas Wilmking as MD from 2026
Ex-Schenker Board Member Dr. Niklas Wilmking to lead Kühne Foundation’s global logistics and development initiatives.
The Kühne Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr. Niklas Wilmking as its new Managing Director, effective January 1, 2026. The Board of Trustees confirmed the leadership transition, placing Dr. Wilmking at the helm of the Foundation’s global logistics-related initiatives. He will report directly to Klaus-Michael Kühne, President of the Board of Trustees, and collaborate closely with Executive Director Dr. Jörg Dräger.
In his new role, Dr. Wilmking will oversee both strategic and operational activities related to logistics, encompassing the Foundation’s global programs and subsidiaries. These include HELP Logistics, LEARN Logistics, the Kühne Climate Center, and the Foundation Alliance for Africa (SAfA), alongside intercontinental offices located in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Jordan, Senegal, and Singapore. He will also contribute to the further evolution of Kühne Logistics University (KLU), focusing on expanding research and industry partnerships.
A seasoned logistics executive, Dr. Wilmking brings over two decades of leadership experience from Schenker AG. Most recently, he served as a Management Board Member responsible for Contract Logistics. Prior roles include CEO for Asia-Pacific and Managing Director of Schenker Vietnam. He began his journey with Schenker in 2002 and has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Deutsche Bahn Foundation since 2016, focusing on humanitarian logistics and disaster relief.
Dr. Jörg Dräger welcomed the appointment, stating, “With Dr. Wilmking, an experienced leader is taking over responsibility for the Foundation’s logistics-related activities. His proven expertise in logistics and management will be instrumental in scaling our impact worldwide.”
Dr. Wilmking emphasized the global relevance of logistics in addressing humanitarian, climate, and development challenges. “Logistics plays a key role in tackling humanitarian crises, poverty, and climate change. I look forward to contributing to the Kühne Foundation’s mission and applying my field experience to deliver effective solutions,” he said. He further praised the vision of Klaus-Michael Kühne, noting the importance of institutions like KLU in advancing scientific understanding and applied logistics for social good.
With this appointment, the Kühne Foundation reinforces its commitment to leveraging logistics as a force for global development, scientific advancement, and climate action.
