Fabian Hänle, PhD

Expertise

• Leadership

• International Management

• Europe-China relations

Vision

Prof. dr. Fabian Hänle’s vision is to inspire people and organizations to make positive contributions that benefit people, the economy, and the planet. He is dedicated to supporting individuals in realizing their potential; uplifting consciousness and energy levels; exploring new, innovative paths; creating healthy, growth-promoting environments and team flows; and bringing cultures together across borders. With intuition and from heart, he is focused on what is most important: the people – because they are the one who drive any organization’s success.

Business background

As a CEO in China, Prof. dr. Fabian Hänle spearheaded the growth of a German hidden champion for over a decade, elevating it from greenfield to market forerunner. Having served professional stints in the USA, Canada, and France as well, he boasts a wealth of expertise in strategy, sales, and executive leadership roles. Thanks to his practical experience in China, coupled with his scientific, on-site research and proficiency in Mandarin, Fabian Hänle possesses unparalleled insights into the local mentality, culture, and authentic Chinese ethos. Today, he is a Professor at the Antwerp Management School and serves as Managing Director and CSO on the board of a European technology leader. As international keynote speaker, multiple book author and founder of Dr. Hänle & Partners Consulting, he collaborates with decision-makers across DAX stock listed corporations, well-known family firms, and global market leaders.

Academic background

For his bachelor’s degree in International Business Fabian Hänle studied at the Dual University of Baden-Württemberg in Germany (DHBW) and, thanks to an awarded scholarship, at the University of California Santa Barbara in the USA (UCSB). Years later and already as CEO in China, he graduated at the Executive MBA program of Mannheim Business School and Shanghai Tongji University as Best of Class. Continuing his pursuit for academic excellence and for bridging theory to practice, Fabian Hänle then joined the PhD Program for Executives at Antwerp Management School and the University of Antwerp, where he obtained his PhD. After several years of regular teaching at the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp Management School in Bachelor, Master and Executive PhD courses as well as academic merit, he was appointed Professor and Member of the Adjunct Faculty at the Antwerp Management School. Today Fabian Hänle serves as Professor at the Antwerp Management School and primarily teaches senior executives and managers in the PhD Program for Executives, as well as in MBA and Master’s courses. He is the author of multiple books in German and English language, book chapters and academic articles in international, peer-reviewed journals. Through his profound business experience and continuous on-the-ground research in China and Europe, Fabian Hänle became one of the leading experts in EU-China relations as well as strategy, internationalization and innovation of Western and Chinese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), family firms and the elite of hidden champions.