Paul Achleitner

Dr Paul Achleitner has helped shape some of Europe’s most influential institutions throughout his career.

He began as a partner at Goldman Sachs, later became Chief Financial Officer of Allianz, and went on to serve as Chair of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank. Each of these roles placed Achleitner at the centre of major shifts in global finance and corporate management.

At Allianz, Paul Achleitner was responsible for reshaping the financial structure of one of the world’s largest insurers, a task that required both technical precision and long-term strategic vision. His decade at Deutsche Bank coincided with a turbulent period for European banking, in which he guided the Supervisory Board through restructuring, regulatory change, and questions of institutional trust. His long-standing membership on Bayer’s Supervisory Board reflects both continuity and deep expertise in capital markets, risk management, and governance. Colleagues note his particular authority on German corporate governance, especially in relation to co-determination, compliance, and oversight.

Today, Paul Achleitner channels his experience into broader causes: effective corporate governance, technological innovation, education, and transatlantic dialogue. His board and think tank work signals that he is not just a figure of past achievement but an active voice on the future of business and society. Achleitner’s most recent book, Accelerate Your Experience, distills decades of leadership insight into sixty concise reflections on how to navigate uncertainty, strengthen corporate legitimacy, and cultivate adaptability in an era of digital disruption and public scrutiny.

For audiences, Paul Achleitner offers a first-hand perspective on how global financial institutions evolve under pressure, how boards can exercise effective oversight, and why governance is central to restoring confidence in business. At the same time, he brings a clear awareness of future challenges, including the need for sustainability and accountability in corporate leadership. His reflections link decades of boardroom experience with the pressing issues that will shape the next generation.