Our Global Executive Team
They are advised by our Medical Council. The Foundation Board and global executive team are responsible for setting the strategic direction of our DKMS Group at an international level. As consultants, they also provide advice and support to our management teams at the entities in the development of local strategies.
Chief Executive Officer: Dr. Elke Neujahr
In 2018, Elke Neujahr rejoined a cause that had long been close to her heart by becoming Global CEO of the DKMS Group, as well as Executive Vice-Chairwoman of the Board of Directors in the US and Chairwoman of the board in Poland, United Kingdom and South Africa. With a doctorate in communication sciences, Elke served national and international executives as an expert in all questions of corporate reputation, crisis and change management. Initially holding a variety of positions in the industry, Elke ultimately switched to the consulting side of the corporate communications business. She has been Partner and CEO of a leading European PR Consultancy , before she successfully ran her own company for 15 years. With her 40 years of expertise in general management she drives the development of the DKMS Group.
As the Global CEO, Elke oversees all DKMS operations and the organization’s continued international expansion.
“Every year, tens of thousands of donor searches are initiated across the globe. At DKMS, we are working to ensure that every patient in need finds a matching donor. Our mission is driven by the countless employees, for whom this is a matter close to the heart, and the millions of compassionate individuals across the world who we are proud to call our donors. We go out of our way to increase awareness and encourage people internationally to register as a blood stem cell donor. Aware of the need for a multifaceted approach, we will continue to extend our mission and are currently investing in providing access to transplantation. The only effective way to address blood cancer and other life-threatening blood diseases is with a macro perspective that ensures no patient is left behind, regardless of their geographic location or socio-economic status.”
Chief Strategy Officer: Katharina Harf
Katharina Harf serves as Global Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of the DKMS Group. In this role, she helps shape the organization’s long-term strategic positioning and direction, strengthens collaboration across DKMS entities and donor centers worldwide, and advances new partnerships and strategic initiatives to further expand the organization’s global impact.
Katharina has been closely involved with DKMS for more than two decades. Together with her father, DKMS founder Dr. Peter Harf, she laid the foundation for the organization’s international expansion with the establishment of DKMS in the United States in 2004. Today, she serves as Chair of the Board of DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden, the parent organization of the DKMS Group, and as Executive Chair of DKMS in the United States.
With her longstanding experience and deep understanding of the organization’s development, Katharina brings a global perspective to the DKMS Group leadership team. As Global CSO, she works closely with the Group’s leadership to advance international cooperation, identify new strategic opportunities and partnerships, and position DKMS to meet future challenges in global healthcare.
Chief Scientific and Medical Officer: Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig
Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig serves as Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer (CSMO) of the DKMS Group. In this role, he leads the organization’s scientific strategy, strengthens collaboration across DKMS research entities, and advances innovation to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancer and other disorders of the blood-forming system.
Johannes is a hematologist, transplant physician, and Professor of Stem Cell Transplantation at the TU Dresden. Since 2013, he leads the organization’s Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), overseeing national and international clinical research programs.
With more than two decades of experience in hematology, stem cell transplantation, and clinical research, Johannes is recognized as one of Europe’s leading experts in the field. As Global CSMO, he works closely with the DKMS Group leadership team to expand scientific partnerships, accelerate research and innovation, and help provide more patients worldwide with a second chance at life.
Chief Financial Officer: Bernd Weinel
Bernd Weinel has joined DKMS in 2023 as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. He oversees finance and accounting as well as the administration and management of the DKMS entities.
Bernd studied business administration at the Goethe University Frankfurt and thereafter working many years in international companies including several years in Spain.
He brings many years of experience as an interim manager for outstanding assignments in the areas of Finance, Controlling, M&A and Restructuring as well as CFO and Finance Director in the medical technology, media, consumer goods, manufacturing and chemical industries.
