Christian Hänel

Christian Hänel advises foundations, companies, and NGOs on public affairs, geopolitics, strategic communication, corporate citizenship, and international partnerships.

Most recently, Christian served as President and CEO of the American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Washington, DC, where he advanced transatlantic academic and scientific exchange and strengthened partnerships among researchers, universities, and philanthropic organizations.

Previously, he was Senior Vice President for International Relations at the Robert Bosch Stiftung, one of Europe’s leading philanthropic foundations. There, he directed the foundation’s international portfolio across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa, leading partnerships and initiatives in civil society, democratic governance, education, cultural exchange, and global affairs. He also established and led the foundation’s Future Issues and Foundation Development unit, advancing strategic foresight, innovation, digital transformation, and organizational development.

Throughout his career, Christian has built enduring partnerships across the nonprofit, academic, public, and private sectors to advance international cooperation and expand opportunities for education, research, and cultural exchange. He holds an M.A. in History and Economics from Universität Bielefeld and Johns Hopkins University