WHU’s New Assistant Professor for Entrepreneurial Families

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management warmly welcomes Dr. Julian Schenkenhofer as its new Assistant Professor for Entrepreneurial Families as of August 1, 2025. The Augsburg native will conduct research for and teach at the WHU Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurial Families, financed by LGT Private Bank. The center’s mission is to further explore family businesses and put its research findings to good use at today’s companies. And Professor Schenkhofer’s experience—particularly his study of the organizational structure of the family business, family governance, and the spill-over effects of relevant academic knowledge—will certainly be of benefit to the center. 

His works have already been published in several prominent journals and have garnered global recognition at leading scientific conferences. He has conducted a research seminar on entrepreneurship and hidden champions as well as published two treatises on hidden champions and niche markets.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as his doctorate, in business administration at the University of Augsburg, graduating summe cum laude in 2021. Before joining WHU, Professor Schenkenhofer worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Bergamo in Lombardia (IT).

Dr. Schenkenhofer has already received positive notices for his work as an educator and has been nominated several times for Best Teaching Awards. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Augsburg and the University of Indiana, and has contributed to international formats, such as a summertime educational program involving partners from both the United States and Italy.

WHU wishes Assistant Professor Schenkenhofer a great start to his time at the school and is excited about the contributions he will make to the research and teaching conducted here.