Diversity at WHU: Countless Nationalities, One Shared Goal

At WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, diversity isn’t just a value; it’s a strength. The renowned private business school, based in Germany, is proof that a vibrant mix of backgrounds and perspectives fosters innovation, creativity, and performance. WHU brings together exceptional talent from across the globe, creating an inclusive academic community where people teach, learn, and work side by side.

Currently, 34% of WHU’s professors, assistant professors, adjunct professors, and full-time lecturers have international roots. And they are in good company, with 24 honorary professors and external faculty members hailing from all around the world—from global powerhouses like the United States, China, and India. But WHU’s faculty casts a wider net, with educators coming from Australia, Thailand, Türkiye, Israel, Armenia, Uruguay, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. They also represent a wide range of European Union member states, including France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden.

“Diversity is not an end in itself”

Despite their diverse origins, WHU’s faculty members share a unified purpose: to contribute to one of Europe’s top business schools. A common language helps streamline collaboration. Whether in the classroom at WHU’s Düsseldorf campus or at its main location in Vallendar, English is the standard language of instruction and interaction.

“WHU provides a vibrant academic environment where cultural diversity is not just embraced but purposefully cultivated. This approach to diversity enriches teaching and research by fostering novel, integrative perspectives—within the classroom and across our research communities,” says Professor Pisitta Vongswasdi, Chairholder of WHU’s Leadership & Society Department and Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Talent Development. “Diversity is not an end in itself. It is a vital asset—for the institution, for our faculty and staff, and for the students, all of whom benefit from an international, open, and dynamic academic culture.”

This commitment aligns with the theme of this year’s German Diversity Day: “When diversity wins, Germany wins.” This nationwide initiative was launched by the nonprofit association Charta der Vielfalt (Diversity Charter), the country’s largest employer-driven platform for advancing workplace diversity. WHU signed the Charter back in 2017, formally committing to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment and promoting the diversity of its community.