The Board of Governors oversees the strategic direction of GESS. All Board members are non-executive and work on a voluntary basis without remuneration. The Board has ten members, eight of whom are elected by the members of the Association (at Annual General Meetings), and two of whom are appointed by the Board.
Board of Governors
Florian Weidinger
President
Professional Experience
Florian is the founder and CEO of an investment management company focused on emerging markets. He currently serves on the committee of the Stanford GSB alumni association in Singapore and is a non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee of a shipping company listed on the New York stock exchange. Florian holds degrees in business studies and environmental science.
Florian and his family have been living in Singapore since 2011 and been members of the GESS community since 2013.
GESS Subcommittee
- Board Development
- Finance
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Dr. Maren Schweizer
Vice President
Professional Experience
Maren is an accomplished technology executive with 20+ years of comprehensive success and rapid career growth in Manufacturing, Automotive, Electronics, Aviation, and Investment Management. As CEO of multiple organizations, and 15+ years specifically of leadership experience in Asia and Europe, Maren is highly passionate about leading in leading large-scale digital and business reorganizations, strategic turnarounds, and new-venture development.
She has held multiple Governance Board roles for 15 years of ListCos in Germany and Japan, more recently as independent director of microelectronics PCB businesses in Japan. In her recent role as CEO for the Schweizer World Group in Singapore, Maren built the corporate venturing and innovation and portfolio management arm of international operations which includes 34 corporate entities.
Maren and her family are in Singapore since 2013.
GESS Subcommittee
- Audit & Risk
- Board Development
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 1
Claudia Harding
Honorary Treasurer
Professional Experience
Claudia is a managing director of an international asset management firm and a senior investment professional with over 20 years of professional experience and an industry leader in ESG investing and sustainability.
Whilst born and raised in Germany, Claudia studied and worked in the US, UK and over the past five years in Singapore.
She holds a German Business degree and a US Master of Economics.
Claudia and her family moved from London to Singapore in December 2018.
GESS Subcommittee
- Finance
- HR & Volunteer Management
- Investment Oversight
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Ray Sandhu
Honorary Secretary
Professional Experience
Ray Sandhu is an advocate solicitor qualified in England and Wales specialising in both civil and commercial litigation. Ray who is a Singaporean, completed his academic education in the UK and holds a BSc in Sports Development degree as well as a Masters in Law (LLM).
Having worked and lived in the UK for more than 20 years, his experience in the field of litigation is extensive.
He returned to Singapore in 2017 and joined the Law Society of Singapore. During his time there, he was instrumental in project managing the branding and marketing of the Law Society’s full suite of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes. He is currently the Director at Mente Consultancy.
GESS Subcommittee
- Audit & Risk
- Board Development
- Fundraising
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Florian is the founder and CEO of an investment management company focused on emerging markets. He currently serves on the committee of the Stanford GSB alumni association in Singapore and is a non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee of a shipping company listed on the New York stock exchange. Florian holds degrees in business studies and environmental science.
Florian and his family have been living in Singapore since 2011 and been members of the GESS community since 2013.
GESS Subcommittee
- Board Development
- Finance
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Maren is an accomplished technology executive with 20+ years of comprehensive success and rapid career growth in Manufacturing, Automotive, Electronics, Aviation, and Investment Management. As CEO of multiple organizations, and 15+ years specifically of leadership experience in Asia and Europe, Maren is highly passionate about leading in leading large-scale digital and business reorganizations, strategic turnarounds, and new-venture development.
She has held multiple Governance Board roles for 15 years of ListCos in Germany and Japan, more recently as independent director of microelectronics PCB businesses in Japan. In her recent role as CEO for the Schweizer World Group in Singapore, Maren built the corporate venturing and innovation and portfolio management arm of international operations which includes 34 corporate entities.
Maren and her family are in Singapore since 2013.
GESS Subcommittee
- Audit & Risk
- Board Development
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 1
Professional Experience
Claudia is a managing director of an international asset management firm and a senior investment professional with over 20 years of professional experience and an industry leader in ESG investing and sustainability.
Whilst born and raised in Germany, Claudia studied and worked in the US, UK and over the past five years in Singapore.
She holds a German Business degree and a US Master of Economics.
Claudia and her family moved from London to Singapore in December 2018.
GESS Subcommittee
- Finance
- HR & Volunteer Management
- Investment Oversight
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Ray Sandhu is an advocate solicitor qualified in England and Wales specialising in both civil and commercial litigation. Ray who is a Singaporean, completed his academic education in the UK and holds a BSc in Sports Development degree as well as a Masters in Law (LLM).
Having worked and lived in the UK for more than 20 years, his experience in the field of litigation is extensive.
He returned to Singapore in 2017 and joined the Law Society of Singapore. During his time there, he was instrumental in project managing the branding and marketing of the Law Society’s full suite of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes. He is currently the Director at Mente Consultancy.
GESS Subcommittee
- Audit & Risk
- Board Development
- Fundraising
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Jana Ackermann
Board Member
Professional Experience
Jana has 20+ years of experience in global organizations focusing on Finance, Strategy, and Business Transformation. She is currently the Finance Head for Asia Crop Science at Bayer, a leading Life Science company. During her career she has worked in lived in different countries including Vietnam, Germany, Brazil and now, Singapore.
Jana studied Business Administration in Germany and Spain as well as Political Science and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
She came to Singapore with her family in 2024.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Finance
- Investment Oversight
- HR and Volunteer Management
Number of Children at GESS: 1
Thomas Schaumburg
Board Member
Professional Experience
Thomas is Managing Partner of Prinz & Partners, heading the Digital & Data Advisory Services. He has held Partner positions with KPMG and CAPCO in Germany, France, UK and Singapore advising companies on strategy and digital adoption. Thomas is member of a VC Group, investing and mentoring especially Tech Startups. Thomas holds degrees in German Language and Literature) and in Business Administration. He has previously served as ordinary member on the Board of the IDSP (Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris), driving the digital transformation of the school.
He and his family have been in Singapore from 2010 to 2016, and came back in 2021.
GESS Subcommittees
- Board Development
- Finance
- Infrastructure
Number of children at GESS: 2
Kristina Strunz
Board Member
Professional Experience
Kristina has over 20 years of experience in General Management, business development, and business transformation. Currently, she is the managing director of a leading multi-national beauty company, where she develops and executes regional strategies for luxury and consumer beauty across India and Southeast Asia.
She volunteers with the Singapore Red Cross and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Kristina has lived in the US, UK, France, and Switzerland, and for over 11 years, she and her family have called Singapore their home.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Audit & Risk
Number of Children at GESS: 1
Dr. Norbert A. Braun
Board Member
Professional Experience
Norbert is currently Vice President Innovation & QC, Asia Pacific @ Symrise - a leading global fragrance and flavor company. He studied Biology and Chemistry for teaching in secondary schools and did his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry.
He has extensive experience in managing culturally diverse teams in Asia, Europe and the US and was a leading member of a team to manage constructions and interior design of offices and labs in Asia.
Norbert wants to bring a different perspective with his Analytical Thinking as a scientist and a strong passion for “ONE GESS” to the Board.
Norbert and his family have been living in Singapore since 2005.
GESS Subcommittees
- HR & Volunteer Management
- Infrastructure
- School Development
Number of children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Jana has 20+ years of experience in global organizations focusing on Finance, Strategy, and Business Transformation. She is currently the Finance Head for Asia Crop Science at Bayer, a leading Life Science company. During her career she has worked in lived in different countries including Vietnam, Germany, Brazil and now, Singapore.
Jana studied Business Administration in Germany and Spain as well as Political Science and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
She came to Singapore with her family in 2024.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Finance
- Investment Oversight
- HR and Volunteer Management
Number of Children at GESS: 1
Professional Experience
Thomas is Managing Partner of Prinz & Partners, heading the Digital & Data Advisory Services. He has held Partner positions with KPMG and CAPCO in Germany, France, UK and Singapore advising companies on strategy and digital adoption. Thomas is member of a VC Group, investing and mentoring especially Tech Startups. Thomas holds degrees in German Language and Literature) and in Business Administration. He has previously served as ordinary member on the Board of the IDSP (Internationale Deutsche Schule Paris), driving the digital transformation of the school.
He and his family have been in Singapore from 2010 to 2016, and came back in 2021.
GESS Subcommittees
- Board Development
- Finance
- Infrastructure
Number of children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Kristina has over 20 years of experience in General Management, business development, and business transformation. Currently, she is the managing director of a leading multi-national beauty company, where she develops and executes regional strategies for luxury and consumer beauty across India and Southeast Asia.
She volunteers with the Singapore Red Cross and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Kristina has lived in the US, UK, France, and Switzerland, and for over 11 years, she and her family have called Singapore their home.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Audit & Risk
Number of Children at GESS: 1
Professional Experience
Norbert is currently Vice President Innovation & QC, Asia Pacific @ Symrise - a leading global fragrance and flavor company. He studied Biology and Chemistry for teaching in secondary schools and did his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry.
He has extensive experience in managing culturally diverse teams in Asia, Europe and the US and was a leading member of a team to manage constructions and interior design of offices and labs in Asia.
Norbert wants to bring a different perspective with his Analytical Thinking as a scientist and a strong passion for “ONE GESS” to the Board.
Norbert and his family have been living in Singapore since 2005.
GESS Subcommittees
- HR & Volunteer Management
- Infrastructure
- School Development
Number of children at GESS: 2
Outi Gruener
Board Member
Professional Experience
Outi is a sustainability and purpose strategist, facilitating socially, economically, and environmentally transformative business solutions.
She has worked with multinational companies, governments, social investors and non-profit and educational organizations to define their vision of success, develop sustainability and communications strategies and create platforms for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Originally from Finland, she has lived across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been based in Singapore since 2015.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Fundraising
- HR and Volunteer Management
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Udo Leiber
Board Member
Professional Experience
Udo studied business administration and engineering and has lived and worked in Asia for over 20 years. He has been living in Singapore with his family since 2013 and currently works as Managing Director Asia for a global industrial company, where he is responsible for regional operations and long-term development across several Asian markets.
Alongside his executive role, he serves on a number of company boards in Asia, contributing to strategic discussions, financial oversight, and the sustainable development of organizations. His work over the years has focused on guiding teams through change, strengthening structures, and encouraging collaboration across different cultures and perspectives.
As the father of two students at the German European School Singapore — one in the German section and one in the IB stream — Udo brings both professional experience and a strong personal connection to the school and its community.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Investment Oversight
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Outi is a sustainability and purpose strategist, facilitating socially, economically, and environmentally transformative business solutions.
She has worked with multinational companies, governments, social investors and non-profit and educational organizations to define their vision of success, develop sustainability and communications strategies and create platforms for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Originally from Finland, she has lived across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been based in Singapore since 2015.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Fundraising
- HR and Volunteer Management
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 2
Professional Experience
Udo studied business administration and engineering and has lived and worked in Asia for over 20 years. He has been living in Singapore with his family since 2013 and currently works as Managing Director Asia for a global industrial company, where he is responsible for regional operations and long-term development across several Asian markets.
Alongside his executive role, he serves on a number of company boards in Asia, contributing to strategic discussions, financial oversight, and the sustainable development of organizations. His work over the years has focused on guiding teams through change, strengthening structures, and encouraging collaboration across different cultures and perspectives.
As the father of two students at the German European School Singapore — one in the German section and one in the IB stream — Udo brings both professional experience and a strong personal connection to the school and its community.
GESS Subcommittees:
- Investment Oversight
- School Development
Number of Children at GESS: 2
The Board meets a minimum of four times per year. Between meetings, Board Members are expected to serve on the Board Sub-Committees and Working Groups:
- Audit and Risk
- Board Development (Nominations)
- Finance and Investment Oversight
- Fundraising
- Human Resources and Volunteer Management Infrastructure
- School Development
Governors may also be asked to support with matters on an ad hoc basis or take part in working groups.
Term Limit of Board
To enable succession planning and steady renewal in the spirit of sustainability of the Association, the Board has a term limit of nine years. In particular, the Honorary Treasurer has a term limit of four consecutive years; however, they may be elected or appointed to other vacancies or Office Bearer roles.
A Board Member holding the office of the President, Vice President or Honorary Secretary shall not serve for a period exceeding six consecutive years in this position, but may be elected or appointed, to any other vacancy on the Board of Governors thereafter.
Board Pipeline
The Board Pipeline provides Association Members with an opportunity to gain insight into the work of the Board, contribute their skills and experience to the School, and develop their understanding of school governance. It also supports the Board’s succession planning by identifying and developing individuals whose skills, competencies and experience may meet current or future Board needs.
Pathway to Board Pipeline Membership
Association Members may express an interest in joining the Board Pipeline. The Board Development Sub-Committee (“BDSC”) may also identify and approach potential candidates where particular skills or competencies are sought.
The pathway comprises the following stages:
1. Apply
Candidates submit an application, including details of their experience, skills and competencies, using the Board Pipeline application form. Nominations for the pipeline will be made in January and August each year.
2. Assess
The BDSC reviews the application against the Board’s current and anticipated skills and competency requirements.
3. Interviews
Candidates progressing to the next stage are invited to two interviews with Chair of BDSC and relevant SubCommittee Chair. These discussions provide an opportunity to explore the candidate’s experience, competencies, motivation and potential contribution to the Board and its Sub-Committees.
4. Background Check
Mandatory independent background check.
5. BDSC Recommendation
Following completion of the assessment process, the BDSC determines whether to recommend the candidate for appointment as a Board Pipeline Member.
6. Board Approval
Recommendations are submitted to the Board for approval. In considering appointments, the Board seeks to maintain an appropriate mix of skills, competencies, experience and perspectives in accordance with its identified needs and the Board Diversity Statement.
7. Role of Board Pipeline Members
Board Pipeline Members may be appointed to one or more Board Sub-Committees, providing an opportunity to contribute their expertise and gain practical experience of the School’s governance.
Pipeline Membership is a development and succession pathway and does not guarantee future appointment to the Board. Any subsequent appointment as a Board Member is subject to the applicable nomination and appointment process.
Board Pipeline Members are not members of the Board, are not entitled to attend Board meetings unless specifically invited, and do not hold voting rights on the Board or on any Sub-Committee on which they serve.
Current Board Pipeline Members are:
- Mario Becker (Investment Oversight)
- Anita Crabtree (Fundraising / Constitutional Review Working Group)
- Nico Erdmann (Infrastructure)
- Bernd Freudenmann (Finance Oversight)
- Johanna Leube (Audit and Risk)
- Dr. Susanne Milcher (Fundraising / Student Recruitment Working Group / Constitutional Review Working Group)
- Robert Puschmann (Infrastructure)
- Marco Zucchet (School Development)
- Cornelia Schuler (Student Recruitment Working Group)
- Meike MacFarlane (Human Resources and Volunteer Management)
If you are interested to become a Board Pipeline Member please apply here:
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