Hamburg Aviation, the aviation cluster of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, is positioning itself for the future both strategically and in terms of personnel. Prof Dr.-Ing. Gerko Wende succeeds Prof Dr Joachim Szodruch as Chairman of the Board. Szodruch has held the position for many years and has been an impactful figure in the development of Hamburg Aviation. Dr Georg Fanta remains Deputy Chairman of the Board.
The change shows both continuity and renewal at Hamburg Aviation. The organisation’s aim remains moving forward: to further develop the Hamburg aviation region as a leading location for an innovative, sustainable and internationally connected aviation industry.
Influential figure for the cluster hands over responsibility
Prof Dr Joachim Szodruch has played a key role in shaping the development of Hamburg Aviation for more than a decade. Under his leadership, the cluster evolved into a recognised platform for cooperation, research and industrial innovation in the aviation sector. He continuously promoted the networking of business, science and policy and sharpened the international profile of Hamburg as an aviation hub.
A special milestone of Szodruch’s commitment was the establishment of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Hamburg. The three institutes, now firmly anchored in the region’s research landscape, make an essential contribution to strengthening Hamburg’s position as a leading centre for aviation research and technology.
New Chairman with a clear agenda for the future
With Prof Dr.-Ing. Gerko Wende, a recognised expert in aviation technologies and innovation management takes on the leadership of the board. Wende is a professor at Hamburg University of Technology and Director of the Institute for Maintenance and Modification of the DLR at ZAL (Centre for Applied Aeronautical Research). He combines extensive scientific experience with strategic insight into the economic and environmental challenges of the sector.
“I am greatly looking forward to working with the entire Hamburg Aviation team and our members. Together, we will continue to build on the strengths of Hamburg as an aviation location, with a clear focus on innovation, sustainability and international competitiveness. Hamburg has both the responsibility and the potential to help shape the future of aviation,” says Prof Dr.-Ing. Gerko Wende, the new Chairman of Hamburg Aviation.
Andreas Richter, Head of Innovation, Technology and Clusters at the Ministry of Economics, Labour and Innovation (BWAI) of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and member of the Hamburg Aviation Board, pays tribute to the outgoing Chairman: “Prof Dr Joachim Szodruch has shaped the development of Hamburg Aviation with great foresight and raised the cluster’s national and international profile. His commitment to establishing the German Aerospace Centre in Hamburg deserves particular recognition as a vital catalyst for the region’s research and innovation landscape. The Board extends its sincere thanks for his tireless efforts and lasting contributions to ensuring the future viability of Hamburg as an aviation location.”