Master's degree students present their findings at the company's location in Hamburg

On July 15, 2026, the joint practical project between our department and the international executive search and leadership advisory firm concluded with a closing event at Mercuri Urval’s (MU) Hamburg office. The master’s students presented their project findings and discussed them directly with the industry partner.
The project focused on internationally leading but little-known companies in the automotive supply and plastics industries, as well as in the robotics and automation sectors—so-called “hidden champions.” The students analyzed selected companies and examined how current developments are impacting the requirements for leadership, human resources development, and talent management.
Based on their analyses, the project teams developed concrete recommendations on how MU can support “hidden champions” in addressing challenges related to executive recruitment and development.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to MU, and in particular to Dr. Irena Schierjott (partner at MU and GAU alumna), for her dedicated support of the project, her candid insights into consulting practice, and the valuable exchange with our students.