Dr. Kurt J. Lauk

Biography

 Dr. Lauk, age 70, brings to the Board valuable insights regarding the European automotive industry and the global activities of European OEMs and suppliers, together with a focus on long term strategy and a strong understanding of technology/innovation both within and outside the automotive industry. Dr. Lauk’s analytical perspective also draws upon his significant expertise in global political, economic and strategic affairs. Dr. Lauk is the co founder and President of Globe CP GmbH, a private investment firm. He possesses extensive European automotive industry experience, primarily through his positions as Member of the Board of Management and Head of World Wide Commercial Vehicles Division of Daimler Chrysler (1996 1999), as well as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (with responsibility for finance, controlling and marketing) of Audi AG (1989 1992).

Research Interest

 Dr. Lauk has other extensive senior management experience, including as Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Veba AG (now known as E.On AG) (1992 1996), Chief Executive Officer of Zinser Textil Machinery GmbH (1984 1989) and as a Partner and Vice President of the German practice of Boston Consulting Group (1978 1984). Dr. Lauk served as a Member of European Parliament (2004 2009), including as a Member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee and Deputy Member of the Foreign and Security Affairs Committee. He currently serves as a Trustee of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London and is an honorary professor with a chair for international studies at the prestigious European Business School in Reichartshausen, Germany. Dr. Lauk possesses both a PhD in international politics (Kiel), as well as an MBA (Stanford).