About DKMS

Shaping the future of our DKMS Group

The Foundation Board and Global Executive Team are shaping the future of the DKMS Group.

The Foundation Board and Global Executive Team are advised by our Medical Council. They 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

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.

“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."

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 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 organisation’s continued international expansion.

“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.”

Follow Elke Neujahr on Twitter and Linkedin.

Chief Information Officer: Dr. Julia Pingel

Dr. Julia Pingel

Julia Pingel joined DKMS as a scientific project manager in 2010. From 2011 to 2016, she headed the HLA service and was responsible for bioinformatic development and the general HLA data quality of the DKMS entities. From 2019 to 2021, she was responsible for the DKMS Group's information and technology services (ITS). Since 2014, Julia built up the DKMS Registry, where she currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer.

Julia studied physics in Germany and France and obtained her doctorate in physics for life sciences at the Université Joseph-Fourier in Grenoble, France. She has been involved in numerous projects of the World Marrow Donor Association and other community bodies over the past ten years.

Chief Financial Officer: Bernd Weinel

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.