Press Release

GMF Names Dr. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer As President

With her strategic vision and extensive experience in transatlantic and international relations, de Hoop Scheffer will steer US-Europe relations through a rapidly shifting global landscape. The German Marshall Fund (GMF) under her leadership is positioned to be the premier forum for Americans and Europeans to forge actionable ideas, develop innovative solutions, and unlock opportunities in security, economics, and technology.

Washington, DC – The GMF board of trustees has appointed Dr. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer as its first European president. Her leadership comes at a crucial moment for transatlantic relations amid growing geopolitical tensions.

With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of international relations, policy research, and public engagement, de Hoop Scheffer is a leading authority on geopolitics, transatlantic relations, and global security. Her expertise has shaped how governments and businesses approach defense, diplomacy, and geo-economics on both sides of the Atlantic.

“We are thrilled to have Alexandra as GMF’s next leader, marking the start of a new chapter for the organization,” said Christopher Schroeder, chair of the GMF board of trustees. “Alexandra represents the next generation of leadership in a rapidly changing world. Her extensive experience across Europe and in the United States is a perfect asset for co-authoring and navigating new transatlantic paths together. Her life's work has been nonpartisan and focused on the best, unbiased analysis, leading to creative ideas. Her commitment to the transatlantic relationship is defined not only geographically but by shared American and European security, economic, and technology interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. She understands that the intersection among policy, business, and technology has never been more essential. She has already attracted world-class talent to our many offices to serve GMF’s mission and to engage leaders to develop innovative ideas across all sectors, as our times demand."

With her deep insights into American and European political dynamics, de Hoop Scheffer brings the strategic vision GMF needs to open up the conversation on transatlantic cooperation in Washington while allowing the organization to deepen its reach and engagement in Europe and beyond. 

“I am honored and thrilled to be named president of GMF”, de Hoop Scheffer said. "My vision for GMF’s future is rooted in a long-standing commitment to transatlantic dialogue and cooperation, bringing together leaders from across the United States and Europe and beyond, while empowering the next generation of changemakers. My colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic and I will position GMF as a hub for policy innovation, delivering long-term solutions to the challenges facing the United States and Europe, and creating new opportunities for cooperation in a rapidly shifting global landscape.”

Throughout her 13-year tenure at GMF, including most recently as senior vice president for geostrategy and acting president, de Hoop Scheffer has spearheaded GMF’s policy work on global challenges and shifting alliances within and beyond the transatlantic community.

Prior to joining GMF, de Hoop Scheffer held key advisory and policy positions in the French ministry of foreign affairs, academia, and international organizations. A dual French-Dutch citizen, de Hoop Scheffer holds a PhD in political science and two master’s degrees in political science and conflict studies from Sciences Po Paris. She also studied at Kings College London. She is a frequent public speaker and writer on European affairs, transatlantic relations, and international security.