Bayer AG has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Dr. Judith Hartmann to its Board of Management, effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Hartmann will step into the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on June 1, 2026, succeeding Wolfgang Nickl, who plans to retire after seven years in the position. This move comes as Bayer continues to navigate its strategic realignment and operational streamlining efforts.
Dr. Hartmann brings a wealth of global leadership experience to Bayer, having held key executive positions at prominent companies across various sectors. Most recently, she served as Operating Partner at Sandbrook Capital, a private investment firm focused on climate infrastructure. Prior to that, she was Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at ENGIE, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s financial transformation and international expansion. Her tenure at Bertelsmann as Group CFO further honed her strategic and operational expertise across media, services, and education divisions. Earlier in her career, she held several management roles at General Electric (GE), gaining valuable experience in the United States, Europe, and Brazil.
The Supervisory Board of Bayer AG highlighted Dr. Hartmann’s transformational leadership and international experience as key assets for the company’s future. Professor Dr. Norbert Winkeljohann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expressed confidence in her ability to guide Bayer through its next chapter. “With Judith Hartmann, Bayer is gaining a highly accomplished leader with vast international experience. She brings both strategic insight and strong operational skills,” he stated. Winkeljohann also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CFO Wolfgang Nickl, noting the significant improvements in organizational effectiveness and efficiency gains achieved under his leadership.
Dr. Hartmann’s career has been marked by a commitment to strategic transformation and leadership. A native of Austria, she earned a master’s degree in business administration and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Her professional journey began at The Walt Disney Company in Paris before joining GE in 2000. At GE, she held various financial and operational leadership roles, contributing to the company’s multinational growth. Her subsequent roles at Bertelsmann and ENGIE further solidified her reputation as a strategic leader capable of navigating complex business environments.
Beyond her executive roles, Dr. Hartmann has served on the boards of several major companies, including Unilever, Marsh McLennan, Ørsted, and Suez. Her diverse board experience underscores her broad industry influence and deep understanding of global business dynamics. As Bayer looks to the future, Dr. Hartmann’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s financial and operational foundation, positioning it for sustained growth and innovation in the agritech sector.