DIKH appoints a new managing director.
The DIHK, or German Industry and Commerce Chamber, has a new leader coming in on January 1, 2025. Helena Melnikov, a 42-year-old lawyer, will take over from Martin Wansleben, who is retiring after serving for 23 years in the role. The DIHK made the announcement recently.
Melnikov is currently the managing director of the Federal Association for Material Management, Purchasing, and Logistics in Eschborn near Frankfurt. She was chosen for this position after a five-person selection committee, which is part of the DIHK organization, proposed her. The DIHK general meeting elected her on Thursday.
DIHK President, Peter Adrian, who led the selection commission, shared that Melnikov emerged victorious against other highly qualified candidates after a lengthy process and challenging selection procedures. He added, "We are thrilled to have such a capable and passionate individual join us."
Melnikov was born in what is now Uzbekistan and grew up in the former Soviet Union. At the age of eight, she and her family moved to Germany and she graduated from high school in 2001. She is fluent in both German and English, as well as Russian. She is married with two children.
The DIHK represents Germany's 79 Industry and Commerce Chambers, which in total represent more than three million member companies. This range includes kiosk owners, small businesses, medium-sized companies, and large conglomerates. In addition, the DIHK manages the global network of German Foreign Trade Chambers across 150 locations in 93 countries.
Read also:
After a rigorous selection process, Helena Melnikov, the current managing director of the Federal Association for Material Management, Purchasing, and Logistics, was elected as the new Chief Executive Officer of DIHK, effective January 1, 2025. With her extensive experience and strong background, she replaces Martin Wansleben, who is retiring after 23 years in the role.
