Melanie Whittaker

Melanie Whittaker is the Head of Membership & Development for GMF’s Leadership Programs, based in Berlin. In this capacity, she works on GMF's Leadership Programs where she oversees the assessment and recruitment of diverse leadership talent across sectors, and business development. She is co-chairing a transatlantic interest group “Business & Society” looking at the role of the private sector as corporate citizens and political actors. Previously, she played a central role in program planning and strengthening GMF’s role with German governmental institutions and other stakeholders such as business, media, nongovernmental and think tank communities.

Ms. Whittaker’s expertise includes leadership assessment, diversity, equity and inclusion practices, corporate citizenship, public diplomacy, and transatlantic relations. Ms. Whittaker is a Trustee with the British American Drama Academy in London (UK), an adviser to the Green Tech Alliance, a global network of green technology businesses. She is an experienced public speaker and moderator.

She holds a BSc in politics and international relations from the London School for Economics and Political Science. She is certified in Human Resources Management and Executive Leadership from Cornell University. She is fluent in German and English.