“Thank you, Peter!”: A Ceremonial Farewell to the Long-Standing Chancellor

For 27 years, Peter Christ has been an institution at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. As the school’s long-standing Head of Administration, he has played a dedicated role in the development of the business school. Colleagues and faculty members value him for his authenticity, loyalty, and reliability. And today, the school wishes him all the best for the future.

“He was responsible for keeping the engine room of WHU running,” said Dr. Toni Calabretti, Chairman of the WHU Foundation Board, who had traveled all the way from Switzerland to Germany to personally thank Mr. Christ for his many years of outstanding commitment. And he presented him with a parting gift: a jersey from FSV Mainz 05, his favorite soccer club. Dr. Calabretti continued to praise Mr. Christ, who was visibly moved, and acknowledged that he had carried out his duties with great dedication and discipline and that his team could always rely on him.

The near 200 guests who filled the lecture hall that day, as well as the many heartfelt speeches, echoed how highly he continues to be at WHU.

Starting in 1998 as the Head of Student Affairs, working alongside a young and inexperienced team, Peter Christ helped define WHU’s course of direction. In 2013, he became Head of Administration, having previously served in the role on an interim basis. Much has changed since then: the In Praxi Learning Center was built on the Vallendar campus, the Düsseldorf campus was developed along the Schwanenhöfe, new study programs were established, and several faculty members and staff joined the team at WHU.

“Peter held one of the highest leadership positions at WHU longer than anyone else in our history—an achievement that speaks volumes about his dedication, resilience, and sense of duty,” said Professor Christian Andres, Dean of WHU. In his speech, he noted that his work had shaped the WHU of today and that it will continue to influence and inspire the school for years to come.

Professor Burcin Yurtoglu also expressed his heartfelt thanks for the excellent collaboration over the years, both on behalf of the school’s Core Leadership Team and simply as a friend. “When someone came to you, you listened—regardless of their position,” Yurtoglu said in appreciation.

The ceremony wasn’t without its entertaining moments. Longtime colleagues Dirk Jonach and Heike Hülpüsch shared humorous anecdotes that were met with standing ovations. One such story involved a business trip where Mr. Christ and Mr. Jonach witnessed an elderly woman being robbed of her handbag. Without hesitation, the former gave chase and, thanks to his bravery and well-known penchant for keeping fit, the thief could be apprehended. The two colleagues were later awarded the Civil Courage Award of the State of Lower Saxony.

As Heike Hülpüsch emphasized, Peter Christ is someone who, as Head of Administration, devoted not only his sharp mind, but also his full commitment and full heart to the school.

The honoree himself was visibly delighted. “You’ve brought me great joy,” he said, thanking all the speakers, attendees, colleagues, student representatives, and especially his assistants Astrid Gummersbach and Gabi Krämer. He described the celebration as “a complete success.” Reflecting on his long and successful time at WHU, Mr. Christ said he had contributed something meaningful to the institution—but that, inevitably, the time had come for a change.

As of February 1, 2025, WHU alumna Dr. Rebecca Winkelmann has officially taken over the role of Head of Administration. Peter Christ will continue to support her during the transition period.