Dr. Axel Gietz

Selbstständig, Owner, Headwind Communications

Hamburg, Deutschland

Über mich

International Communications and Corporate Affairs leader with a second-to-none track record. Has mastered numerous exceptional professional challenges. Experienced in dealing with difficult situations, handling business-critical issues, and managing acute crises. Inspirational communicator, practiced public speaker, and accomplished spokesperson. Impactful lecturer. With his consulting firm Headwind Communications now offers strategic counsel in times of change and challenge to C-Suite decision makers under pressure.

Fähigkeiten und Kenntnisse

Unternehmenskommunikation
Krisenmanagement und Change Management
Interim Management
Dozententätigkeit
Absoluter Medienprofi
Issues Management
Public Affairs und Politik
Public Relations
Communication
Inspirierender Redner und Referent
Strategy
Strategieberatung
Management
Consulting
Hohe Beratungskompetenz
Langjährige Führungserfahrung
International und mehrsprachig

Werdegang

Berufserfahrung von Axel Gietz

  • Bis heute 1 Jahr und 3 Monate, seit März 2023

    Lecturer

    University of Europe for Applied Sciences

  • Bis heute 7 Jahre, seit Juni 2017

    Owner

    Headwind Communications

    Headwind Communications offers strategic counsel in times of change and challenge to C-Suite decision makers under pressure. https://headwindcommunications.com

  • Bis heute

    Lecturer

    HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration

  • 2019 - 2021

    Co-Organiser

    SEADEVCON

    Manage all communications for annual conference addressing the maritime industry's impact on global climate change. Responsible for the SEADEVCON Maritime Award recognising a personality whose "lifetime achievement is exemplary for the fight for a sustainable and respectful use of the world's seas". Winners: Arved Fuchs (2029), Markus Rex (2020).

  • 2012 - 2016

    Director of Group Corporate Affairs

    Imperial Tobacco / Imperial Brands

    Established and led centrally managed, commercially focussed global function, aligned behind a common proactive strategy. Personally devised and executed very high-profile public engagement programs on business-critical issues across markets, with countless media interviews and numerous parliamentary appearances.

  • 2009 - 2012

    Owner Principal

    Headwind Communications

    Headwind Communications offers strategic counsel in times of change and challenge to C-Suite decision makers under pressure. https://headwindcommunications.com

  • 2008 - 2008

    Group Communications and Corporate Affairs Director

    CEVA Logistics

    Developed strategy and implemented structures for global internal and external communications program to prepare planned IPO

  • 2006 - 2007

    External Senior Strategy Consultant

    Hill & Knowlton, Inc.

    Contributed in-depth expertise to sensitive international assignments

  • 2003 - 2005

    Senior Vice President Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

    Interbrew / InBev

    Key member of core leadership team for biggest-ever beer industry M&A transaction at the time. Built world-class function and repositioned company favourably with influential media.

  • 2001 - 2003

    Director Global Corporate Affairs

    DHL

    Designed strategy and created structures for new global function. Increased Company's Share of Voice. Handled first-ever fatal airplane crash in DHL history, enhancing confidence in its operations.

  • 2001 - 2001

    Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Europe

    British American Tobacco

    Upgraded function in key commercial region, managing 40 professionals in markets and Brussels-based EU representation. Led multi-disciplinary company initiatives on EU regulation threats.

  • 1995 - 2001

    Director Public Relations to Vice President Media Relations

    RJ Reynolds International / JTI

    Developed and executed proactive external engagement program to influence regulation and legislation, and mitigate litigation threat. Served as global spokesperson with high-profile public appearances in media and political arena.

  • 1987 - 1995

    Owner Principal

    AGS Sports Consulting

    Built and managed sports marketing agency with focus on brokering sponsorship deals in German football Bundesliga

  • 1984 - 1986

    Press Officer, Corporate Communications Division

    BASF

    Conceptualised and managed PR activities for magnetic tape division (audio and video cassettes). Devised sports sponsorship program and negotiated endorsement contracts with up-and-coming young tennis stars, Boris Becker and Steffi Graf.

Ausbildung von Axel Gietz

  • 9 Jahre und 4 Monate, Sep. 1974 - Dez. 1983

    English and American Language and Literature

    Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

  • 9 Jahre und 4 Monate, Sep. 1974 - Dez. 1983

    History

    Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

  • 9 Jahre und 4 Monate, Sep. 1974 - Dez. 1983

    History

    Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

    Dissertation: Die neue Alte Welt. Roosevelt, Churchill und die europäische Nachkriegsordnung. Wilhelm Fink Verlag, München

Sprachen

  • Englisch

    Muttersprache

  • Deutsch

    Muttersprache

  • Französisch

    Fließend

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