"Thank you, Peter!": A Ceremonial Farewell for the Long-Standing Chancellor

He was a true institution at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. For 27 years, he played a dedicated role in the development of the business school. Colleagues and faculty members valued him for his authenticity, loyalty, and reliability: the now former Head of Administration Peter Christ.

“He was responsible for keeping the engine room of WHU running,” said Dr. Toni Calabretti, Chairman of the WHU Foundation Board. He traveled all the way from Switzerland to personally thank Peter Christ for his many years of outstanding commitment—and to present him with a farewell gift: a jersey from his favorite soccer club, FSV Mainz 05. Peter Christ had carried out his duties with great dedication and discipline, Dr. Calabretti praised the visibly moved guest of honor. His team could always rely on him.

The high regard in which WHU holds Peter Christ was evident in the nearly 200 guests who filled the lecture hall, as well as the heartfelt speeches from colleagues and companions.

Peter Christ had shaped the course of WHU since 1998, starting as Head of Student Affairs in a young and inexperienced team. 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, and numerous new study programs, faculty members, and staff joined 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. His work had not only shaped today’s WHU but will also continue to influence and inspire the school for years to come, Andres mentioned in his speech.

Professor Burcin Yurtoglu also expressed his heartfelt thanks for the excellent collaboration over the years, both on behalf of the CLT and 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 either. Longtime companions such as Dirk Jonach and Heike Hülpüsch shared humorous anecdotes that were met with standing ovations for Peter Christ. One such story involved a business trip where Peter Christ and Dirk Jonach witnessed an elderly woman’s handbag being stolen. Without hesitation, Peter gave chase—thanks to his bravery and well-known fitness, the thief was caught. 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 big heart to the business school.

The honoree himself was visibly delighted. “You’ve brought me great joy,” Peter Christ thanked all the speakers, attendees, companions, 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, Christ said he had contributed something meaningful to the institution—but eventually, the time comes for change.

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