Michael Schoellhorn

CEO
Airbus - Defence and Space

Michael Schoellhorn has been Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus Defence and Space since 1 July 2021
and is a member of Airbus’ Executive Committee, responsible for Airbus’ defence, space, unmanned air services and connected intelligence activities.

Previously, he was Airbus Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. In this position, he led the production, quality, procurement and information management organisations, transforming and building the production system of the future.

Michael joined Airbus in February 2019 from BSH Home Appliances, where he was COO and a member of the company’s Management Board from 2015 until his departure.

Michael began his career in 1984 in the German armed forces, where he served as an officer and a helicopter pilot until 1994, with assignments in Germany and the US. Michael worked in academia as a research assistant at the Helmut Schmidt University (University of the German armed forces) in Hamburg (1994-1999). He started out his industrial career with Bosch in 1999 and held various senior management positions in the automotive sector in the US, the Czech Republic and Germany before being appointed EVP for Manufacturing and Quality in 2012.

Michael is President of BDLI, the association of the German aviation industry as well as a presidium member of BDI, the association of the German Industry.

He is chairman of the Supervisory Board of Airbus Operations GmbH, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, member of the Board of Directors of Airbus Defence and Space Inc. US and member of the Board of Directors of Stratasys Ltd ( NASDAQ: SSYS).

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Control Engineering, both from
the Helmut Schmidt University

The Next Gen: DISRUPTION

Economic Disruption: We live in an era of disruption in which powerful global forces are changing how we live and work. Powerful disruptions are changing our world. The gig economy, remote work, and the sharing economy have disrupted traditional employment models. The new generation is often at the forefront of these economic changes, seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.

Technological Disruption: The new generation is witnessing rapid technological advancements and digital transformation. They are at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes, leading to disruptions in various industries. Examples include the rise of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. Frontier technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are boosting productivity growth, raising prosperity, and replacing mundane or dangerous tasks. They have the potential to do good across a wide range of domains, from healthcare to education

Cultural Disruption: Social movements and changing cultural norms are disrupting traditional societal structures. The new generation is actively involved in advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, challenging the status quo and pushing for more inclusive societies. The connection between resilience, equity and inclusion is widely accepted by policymakers: evidence has shown that creating more equitable and inclusive societies is a crucial part of any economic strategy focused on resilience and recovery.

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The Next Gen: DEVELOPMENT

Skill Development: The new generation places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. They prioritize continuous learning, self-improvement, and mental well-being. Tools like online courses, self-help apps, and social networks play a significant role in their development journey. It is important to have a conversation about how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. Half of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold.

Sustainable Development: This generation of leaders bears the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacies of their businesses while actively championing sustainable practices across businesses, governments, local communities, and personal lifestyle changes to secure a brighter future for the planet. Sustainability, the buzzword across the world today, will have to take on a new avatar and become the soul of every organization - business or otherwise. Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.

Social Development: The next generation is deeply rooted in creating positive change in society by incorporating CSR, promoting digital literacy, improving access to quality education, and supporting public health initiatives. Smart living is about adapting the fruits of technology through models that are scalable, profitable and, importantly, ecologically and socially more sustainable.

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The Next Gen: DIVERSIFICATION

Geographical Diversification: The prime focus of the new-gen leaders will be on a geographic diversification strategy, either domestically or internationally, aiming to integrate its products and services as a routine in consumers’ lifestyles. This will mitigate the risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. In an interconnected world, diversity, shaped by globalization and technological advances, forms the fabric of modern society.

Business Diversification: The strategic expansion and diversification of businesses with investments in newer business avenues, will enhance the return on investment, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of the next-generation leaders' eagerness to innovate. Companies are discovering that, by supporting and promoting diverse products and services, they are gaining benefits that go beyond the optics.

Workforce Diversification: To achieve geographical and business diversification, the next generation of leaders will aim at prioritizing workforce diversity, to boost job growth and create together a multitude of ideas and perspectives, igniting innovation and creativity. In times of increasing disruption and uncertainty, companies need to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) for the benefit of their culture — and their bottom line.

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