Key Takeaways:
- Bayer AG appoints Dr. Judith Hartmann to its Board of Management, effective March 1, 2026, ahead of her transition to Chief Financial Officer on June 1, 2026.
- She will succeed Wolfgang Nickl, who plans to retire after seven years as CFO.
- Dr. Hartmann brings extensive global leadership experience from ENGIE, Bertelsmann, General Electric (GE), and Sandbrook Capital.
- Her background combines strategic finance, operational expertise, and experience across energy, media, and technology sectors.
- The Supervisory Board cited her transformational leadership and international experience as key assets for Bayer’s next chapter.
Bayer Names Dr. Judith Hartmann as Next Chief Financial Officer
The Supervisory Board of Bayer AG has announced the appointment of Dr. Judith Hartmann to the company’s Board of Management, effective March 1, 2026. She will formally assume the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on June 1, 2026, following the planned retirement of Wolfgang Nickl at the end of May 2026.
Dr. Hartmann joins Bayer from Sandbrook Capital, a private investment firm specializing in climate infrastructure, where she currently serves as Operating Partner. Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition at the company as it continues to streamline operations and position itself for future growth.
Extensive Global Experience Across Energy, Media, and Finance
Throughout her career, Dr. Judith Hartmann has held key executive positions in multiple global corporations. Prior to joining Sandbrook Capital, she served as Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at ENGIE, where she played a central role in the company’s financial transformation and international expansion.
She previously worked as Group CFO at Bertelsmann, overseeing its financial operations across media, services, and education divisions. Earlier in her career, she held a series of management roles at General Electric (GE), gaining operational and financial experience across the United States, Europe, and Brazil.
“With Judith Hartmann, Bayer is gaining a highly accomplished leader with vast international experience. She brings both strategic insight and strong operational skills,” said Professor Dr. Norbert Winkeljohann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated transformational leadership—guiding businesses through challenges and discovering new opportunities. We are convinced that she will make a great contribution to the future of the company.”
He also expressed gratitude to Wolfgang Nickl, stating: “Under his leadership, the structure and operations have been dramatically simplified with further improvements in the effectiveness of the organization and extensive efficiency gains. We are very grateful for this.”
A Career Defined by Leadership and Strategic Transformation
A native of Austria, Dr. Hartmann earned a master’s degree in business administration and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. She began her career at The Walt Disney Company in Paris before joining GE in 2000. At GE, she held a range of financial and operational leadership roles across its healthcare and energy divisions, contributing to the company’s multinational growth.
In 2012, she became Group CFO at Bertelsmann, later joining ENGIE in 2015, where she served in several senior positions, including Deputy CEO, Group CFO, and interim Co-CEO. She also oversaw ENGIE’s operations in North America, the UK, and Ireland.
Board Roles and Broader Industry Influence
Beyond her executive roles, Dr. Hartmann has served as a Non-Executive Director at several major companies. Her past and current board memberships include Unilever (2015–2024), Marsh McLennan (since 2023), Ørsted (since 2025), and Suez, where she rejoined the board in 2023 after privatization. Earlier, she held board positions at RTL Group, Electrabel, International Power, Penguin Random House, and Gruner & Jahr.
Bayer AG
Bayer AG is a German multinational company specializing in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Recognized as one of the largest global players in the sector, Bayer operates across healthcare, agriculture, and life sciences.
With a broad international footprint, the company is involved in the development of innovative products and solutions for medical and agricultural challenges, contributing to human, plant, and environmental health worldwide.
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