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A farewell with foresight: Prof. Frenkel is leaving WHU after 30 years!
Professor Michael Frenkel, a key figure at WHU, is retiring on May 31, 2025 after more than 30 years of dedicated teaching.
A farewell with foresight: Prof. Frenkel is leaving WHU after 30 years!
On May 31, 2025, Prof. Dr. Michael Frenkel is retiring and leaving an impressive legacy at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. For over 30 years, the professor of macroeconomics and international economic policy had a significant influence on the institution and contributed to the university's national and international success. He remains associated with WHU as Professor Emeritus and will continue to influence the academic community.
During his time at WHU, Frenkel was responsible for the internationalization and strategic development of the institution. Prof. Dr. Christian Andres, the Rector of WHU, emphasized Frenkel's commitment and humanity in his appreciation. The professor placed particular emphasis on personal encounters and open exchanges, which made his work particularly human.
Academic career and commitment
Frenkel was born in 1954 and initially completed an apprenticeship in banking, followed by studying economics at the University of Mainz, where he received both his diploma and his doctorate. His career took him to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. before he was appointed professor at WHU in 1993. There he was also Associate Dean for International Relations and Diversity and Director of the Center for European Studies (CEUS) at WHU, which he co-founded and directed.
During his terms as rector, between 1996 and 1998 and from 2005 to 2014, Frenkel played a central role in establishing international accreditations such as EQUIS and AACSB and energetically pushed forward the introduction of new study programs, including an MBA. Under his leadership, WHU's international exchange network grew significantly and became one of the largest at a German business school. Many of his students benefited from this network.
Research and international cooperation
Frenkel's research focused on international financial markets and economic policy, and he published over 100 articles in renowned academic journals. His work has been recognized worldwide and he has been a consultant to various institutions, including the World Bank and the European Commission. He also gained practical experience through several visiting professorships at prestigious universities such as Harvard University and the University of Michigan Business School.
He was active in the further training of managers in Germany and the USA and was responsible for the economic training of young German diplomats in the Foreign Office for many years. His textbooks on growth theory and national income accounting are standard works in German higher education.
Future prospects and lasting legacy
Frenkel's commitment and influence will continue to be felt even after his retirement from active teaching. He supervised 25 doctoral students, four of whom later became university professors, leaving behind not only a student body but also successors who will carry on his values and knowledge.
In summary, it can be said that Prof. Dr. Michael Frenkel leaves a significant footprint at WHU. His passion for education and his commitment to international economic relations will continue to shape and inspire WHU.