Prof. Dr. Audrey Mehn has been appointed new ISM President. Karsten Gardy has been appointed Vice President for Economics & Financial Affairs and joins the General Managing team alongside Daisuke Motoki and Silvia Semidei.

The International School of Management (ISM) reorganized its executive board. Prof. Dr. Audrey Mehn, previously Vice President for Teaching and Campus Director in Dortmund, has been appointed President and Managing Director of ISM. Karsten Gardy, Commercial Director, now serves also as Vice President for Economics and Finance. They are joined on the General Management team by Silvia Semidei, Managing Director of the ESO Education Group and Daisuke Motoki, Vice President for Corporate Relations.

ISM is setting a new course for its future - with a new management team. Teamwork at the university plays a major role in this, as the new President, Prof. Dr. Audrey Mehn, emphasizes: "I am very excited about my new role and grateful for the trust placed in me by our managing partner, Silvia Semidei, and the ISM Senate. As the first female president, I see it as a special responsibility and opportunity to work with my dedicated colleagues to help shape a sustainable, practical, and future-oriented education program so that our students are optimally prepared for their professional careers."

Karsten Gardy knows the university well, having worked for ISM in an advisory role for many years. Audrey Mehn emphasizes: “We will be able to draw even more on his expertise in the future and look forward to working with him.”

The wealth of international experience is also important for the university with the international AACSB seal. Silvia Semidei, Managing Director of the ESO Education Group, to which ISM belongs, emphasizes: "I am very pleased that Prof. Dr. Audrey Mehn, with her international experience and personality, has been confirmed by the Senate as president of ISM. I am convinced that, together with the new Executive Board and all her other colleagues, she will successfully lead ISM and achieve the goals that have been set. I wish the new Executive Board much strength, wise decisions, and the necessary bit of luck."

Picture: Dortmund, May 2025 - Prof. Dr. Audrey Mehn, new President of ISM, and Karsten Gardy, new Vicepresident for Economic & Financial Affairs, are looking forward to their new roles.

You can find out more about the ISM Executive Board here.

The International School of Management (ISM) has once again secured an outstanding position in this year’s CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings – marking its third consecutive year of success. With a placement in the “Tier One” category, ISM is recognized as one of the leading business schools worldwide.

This year, 284 programs from 24 countries were evaluated, with only a few German business schools making it to the top tiers. Business Administration programs were assessed based on various criteria, including faculty qualifications, international orientation and diversity, as well as the career prospects of graduates.

“The recognition of our ISM university for outstanding achievements in teaching quality, internationality and excellent career opportunities for our alumni not only affirms our commitment to educational excellence – it also motivates us to continue exploring innovative paths. We remain focused on creating a learning environment that prepares our students for the global challenges of tomorrow,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Audrey Mehn.

The MBA program at the ISM can be studied full-time in Munich and Berlin or part-time in Dortmund.

Thinking an MBA might be the right choice for you?
Find out more here.

A group of Sport Management students recently had the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the sports industry during a three-day study trip abroad. They had the opportunity to listen to presentations by experts from the sports industry directly on site. Among the speakers were Mar Rovira, Head of the Mental Performance Department at RCD Espanyol, Claudia Romera, former Head of Marketing at FC Barcelona and Bruno Batlle, CEO of CE Sabadell FC. The group also took part in a session with Manu Carrasco, Commercial B2B Manager at RCD Espanyol.

The students learned fascinating details from leading figures in the Spanish sports industry and visited facilities of FC Barcelona, including the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training ground and the club museum. A guided tour of RCD Espanyol’s facilities was also part of the agenda.

At ISM, a strong focus is placed on practical learning. This trip once again gave students the chance to experience sport management up close and gain valuable practical insights.

Are you interested in studying Sport Management? Find out more here:

• B.A. International Sports Management
• B.A. Betriebswirtschaft · Sports Management (dual)
• M.A. Strategic Sports Management (100% in English)

The Chiemsee Gin, Vemiwa Foods & Creativeaty GmbH, and Loremo were created here: The ISM Campus Munich provided the framework for this and now looks back on 15 successful years – a success that many founders have contributed to. Since its opening, this university campus has produced over 3.000 graduates with specialized qualifications for international tasks in business.

ISM President Prof. Dr. Ingo Böckenholt emphasized the diversity of study programs offered during the anniversary celebration, including the innovative Business Intelligence & Data Science program, which can be pursued either full-time or extra-occupational.

The ISM Munich campus has grown from its beginnings with 160 students and a handful of programs into one of the largest locations of the private business school (headquartered in Dortmund), now offering four study formats: full-time, part-time, dual and distance learning. The university of applied sciences places special emphasis on practice-oriented specializations, such as in real estate management, data management, marketing and business psychology.

ISM Munich has established itself as a renowned institution for educating future professionals and executives and demonstrates its importance within the Munich business landscape through strong partnerships and network of practical experience.

Significant for the Region
Many graduates go on to hold high-ranking positions in companies and organizations of all kinds – from family-run businesses to major consulting firms, auditing companies and automotive manufacturers, including BMW.

The ISM campus in Munich has also earned a strong reputation within the academic community. Some alumni have completed the entire academic path – from Bachelor's to Master's and even Doctorate degrees. Others pursued their studies at renowned international universities after completing their Bachelor's degree.

During the anniversary celebration, the most recent honorary professorship was awarded to prominent entrepreneur Dr. Carsten Maschmeyer, further emphasizing ISM’s close ties to the practice-oriented business world.