Tönissteiner Kreis

Tönissteiner Kreis
Abbreviation	TK
Formation	1958
Founder	Erwin Lemmé
Headquarters	Germany
Type	elite network

The Tönissteiner Kreis (TK) (English: Tönissteiner Circle) is a German network of leaders in business, academia and politics with a strong international background and interest. Despite (or perhaps because) its 800 members are among the most influential in Germany, virtually nothing is ever written about it in the press.

History

In line with the development of new international organizations in the 1950s the leading German business associations realized that there was a lack of internationally-qualified management personnel. TK was set up to fill this gap.

In 1958 the discussion group "Forum for Science and Business" was set up, which at the behest of the Federation of German Industry (BDI), the Employers Federation (BDA) the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHT), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Association of German Foundations (Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft) discussed how to develop new leadership for international roles. A key role was played by Erwin Lemmé, then Head of the Department for International Relations at the Federation of German Industry.

In January 1959 the first meeting took place in Bad Tönisstein, making this the formal launch year of the discussion forum, though many relevant discussions between industry and the ministries took place the year before. At the second meeting 1960, also in Bad Tönisstein, the group chose the name "Tönissteiner Kreis".

At the time of the establishment, the aim was to set up a network that would prepare qualified young people to take on international leadership roles. Young graduates with experience abroad were voted into the group and supported by the network of older members. The group admits 20-30 new members each year, picked as especially promising new leadership talent.

Activities

The Tönissteiner Circle has more than 800 members, who are active globally across sectors and generations in leading positions in business, media, the EU and other international organizations, in Federal and State Ministries as well as in research and academia. Necessary conditions for candidates to become a member include having an academic degree with high qualifications and being fluent in German and two other languages.

It states that "strengthening the international outlook of today's and tomorrow's leaders is one of the TK's key objectives, and that "the central themes remain European integration and the transatlantic partnership".

In pursuit of its goals, the Tönissteiner Kreis (TK) organises:

• Regional and national events, colloquia and rounds of experts to debate topics crucial for today's society - in multiple languages
• Study tours abroad, usually organised by local Tönissteiner Members
• Projects to support next generation leaders among pupils, students and young professionals
• Projects promoting an international perspective in education and human resource policy and a culture of welcoming foreigners in Germany

Yearly Conferences

Once a year around 200 of the members meet in Berlin for the "Tönissteiner Annual Meetings".

The TK presents a forum for dialogue and projects to address society's challenges, driven by pro-bono and non-profit work. The TK promotes international debates to fortify Germany's global outlook and its innovation capacity.

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