Opening Discussion

Leading Transformation: 

Thomas Saueressig is a member of the Executive Board of SAP SE. He heads the Customer Services & Delivery Board area with global responsibility for long-term customer value in the cloud. This includes all business areas in customer services, comprising professional services, premium engagements, customer innovation services, and customer support. In addition, Saueressig leads the cloud infrastructure, cloud operations, cloud lifecycle management, and private cloud delivery for SAP’s global customer base.

Previously, as a member of the Executive Board, Saueressig led the SAP Product Engineering Board area and was responsible for the company’s entire application portfolio. 

Before being appointed as head of SAP Product Engineering, he was chief information officer (CIO) and global head of IT Services at SAP. As CIO, he was responsible for SAP’s IT strategy and execution following a cloud-first approach.

Saueressig has a degree in Business Information Technology from the University of Cooperative Education in Mannheim (Germany) and a joint executive MBA from ESSEC Business School (France) and Mannheim Business School (Germany).

Since April 2022, Saueressig has been a member of the Board of Directors of Nokia.

Rethinking Venture Capital: A Strategic View

Venture capital and startup ecosystems are at a critical point in the market cycle, and Rohit will explore key forces currently impacting and shaping the asset class. In an interactive session, he will distill how investors (including Angel investors) should think about investing in startups. Rohit will also share insights from his strategic VC report, which will be published in May.

Rohit Yadav is a strategic investment leader specializing in alternative assets and venture capital, bridging innovation with market opportunities worldwide. He has steered global investment strategies, led high-impact initiatives, and conducted multi-billion-euro investment analysis across asset classes such as real estate, renewables, and infrastructure in markets spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

He is the creator of The Big Book of VC, a widely-read, data-informed quarterly publication for the venture ecosystem, and the host of TheOnePoint podcast, where he unpacks high-leverage themes in the startup world through conversations with founders, venture capitalists, and limited partners.

Rohit’s side initiatives reflect his commitment to translating investment knowledge into tactical insights for the broader community. He has contributed thought leadership articles to platforms such as Crunchbase and CAIA’s Portfolio for the Future, served as a guest lecturer on alternative investments at Mannheim Business School, appeared as a keynote speaker on topics like "Macro in Venture,” and moderated investing panel and sessions.

The Gender Investment Gap: Insights into How Women and Men Invest - and Why It Matters

In today’s evolving financial landscape, understanding gender differences in investment behaviour is more than a social question - it's a strategic advantage.
Recent research shows that although women invest less frequently, they consistently achieve higher returns compared to their male counterparts.
What drives these differences? How do risk tolerance, decision-making processes, and financial goals vary between genders?
And most importantly: what lessons can we, as investors, leaders, and changemakers, draw from these insights?

Rukayyat is a golf enthusiast, proud mother, and founder of a wealth tech company "PaceUP Invest", providing comprehensive financial literacy, wealth-building, and management solutions for both B2B and B2C clients  combining cutting-edge technology with expert human insight to offer a hyper-personalised and affordable service.

With more than 18 years of experience in investment banking, investment management, and capital markets, she has managed billions in assets and generated profits through investment portfolios for individuals and corporations.

She is a keynote speaker, founding committee member of "100 Women in Finance", and Executive Board member of the "European Women in Payments Network (EWPN)". She has received various awards, e.g. "Role Model in Germany for women in STEM", "BWAM 40 under 40", "Women in Fintech Powerlist StandOut 45" and the "Forbes Inspiring Founders Globally". Rukayyat holds degrees such as MSc in Finance and Investment Management and a double diploma Executive MBA from Mannheim Business School, Germany and ESSEC Business School, Paris.

"PaceUP Invest" was listed by The Financial Technologist as one of the most influential financial technology companies of 2023.

Introduction: MBS Business Angels Club

On February 21 we kicked off the MBS Business Angels Club. with an exciting keynote on angel investments. 

On Friday afternoon we will drive to the Winery Georg Naegele in Neustadt-Hambach, where we will try some local Riesling and enjoy a dinner together. 

Leading transformation in Family-owned Businesses

• Alice Biehrer, Co-Geschäftsführerin, Biehrer GmbH & Co. KG (Part-Time MBA 2019)

• Roman Disselkamp, Assistent der Geschäftsführung, C. DisselkampSchlafraumsysteme GmbH (Part-Time MMA 2022)

• Isanthe Heberger-Demel, Geschäftsführerin, Heberger Holding GmbH & Co. KG (ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA 2008)

• Tobias Mörk Geschäftsführer & Syndikusanwalt, reer GmbH (Mannheim & Tongji EMBA 2023)

Transformation - Reimagination of an Iconic Brand

Na Li

As Communications & Experiential Director for Europe at JLR, Na leads integrated communications, brand experiences and partnership for Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar.

Her work with JLR has earned multiple awards including International Webby Awards for Digital Experience and German Design Awards for Communication Design, recognizing achievements in innovative, customer-centric campaigns that merge creativity with cutting-edge technology.

Prior to joining JLR, Na held various roles at luxury brands, including Chloé and Dior, where she contributed to establishing the brands in the China market.

Na Li has a degree in International Business Management from Neoma Business School in Reims (France) and a MBA from Mannheim Business School (Germany).

Energy Transition Panel

• Silvia Fischer, SVP Sales Consumer & SME, MVV Energie AG (MEMBA 2017)

• Alexander Ohff, Executive Vice President OBS Renewables, TÜV NORD GROUP (Mannheim & Tongji EMBA 2017) 

• Han Rui, Director Software and Data at Grid Consulting, Siemens Energy (Part-Time MBA 2021)