WHO WE ARE

Our Team

The Hasso Plattner Foundation pursues directly and exclusively philanthropic initiatives. Our team and  lean organizational structure allow us to dynamically implement innovative and sustainable projects while systematically controlling the modest use of funds to maximize each project’s impact.

We nurture a dynamic environment for diverse and unique talents, supporting the mission of the Foundation and the vision of its founder. As part of the Hasso Plattner Foundation’s community, we support and enable fascinating opportunities and projects which are at the core of our team’s motivation.

We are a fast-growing organization and value flexibility as a constant companion. Our organization is characterized by flat hierarchies and a non-bureaucratic environment. In everything we do, we are driven by our four values: integrity, mastery, sustainability, and collaboration.

Meet some of our colleagues

When interacting with the Foundation, you might get in touch with the following colleagues:

Christopher AnschĂĽtz, PhD

Chief Investment Officer

Christopher Anschütz, PhD, is our Chief Investment Officer. In this role since 2017, he is responsible for the management of the Foundation’s endowment. 

Christopher AnschĂĽtz, PhD

As Chief Investment Officer, Christopher Anschütz, PhD, is responsible for the management of the Foundation’s endowment. Prior to joining our organization in 2017, Christopher worked at BTV Group, a Munich-based Family Office. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the European Business School Oestrich-Winkel, a Master of Sciences from the University of Hong Kong, and a doctoral degree in Finance from the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok in a joint program with the Kellogg Graduate School of Management of Northwestern University in Chicago. Christopher is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), and a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM). He is also a member of the Investment Committee of the Max Planck Foundation.

Dr. Rima Dapous

Executive Director Operations

Dr. Rima Dapous has been with our organization since April 2023. As Executive Director Operations, Rima ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the Hasso Plattner Foundation. 

Dr. Rima Dapous

Dr. Rima Dapous has been with our organization since April 2023. As Executive Director Operations, Rima ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the Hasso Plattner Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, Rima was the Domestic Bursar and Fellow of All Souls College at the University of Oxford. Rima has a track record of over 20 years in leading research and education institutions and charities. She also acts as an external expert for the European Commission. Rima earned her doctoral degree in philosophy from the University of Oxford.

Klaus GrĂĽnfelder

Chief Financial Officer

Klaus Grünfelder joined our organization in April 2024. As Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for our organization’s accounting, controlling, financial planning & reporting and tax compliance.

Klaus GrĂĽnfelder

Klaus Grünfelder joined our organization in April 2024. As Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for our organization’s accounting, controlling, financial planning & reporting and tax compliance. Prior to joining our organization in April 2024, Klaus held several key senior management and expert positions in Corporate Finance, Private Equity and Venture Capital Asset Management in Germany and abroad including Siemens Stiftung, Siemens Venture Capital, Siemens Financial Services, von Braun & Schreiber Private Equity Partners, adidas AG. He holds a master’s degree in strategic management from the University of West London, UK and a Bachelor degree from the University of Applied Sciences in Trier, Germany. Klaus is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Dr. Moritz Matthey

Head of Program Management

Dr. Moritz Matthey joined the Hasso Plattner Foundation in 2020. As Head of Program Management, he drives strategy, program development, and impact management of the Foundation’s philanthropic projects. 

Dr. Moritz Matthey

Dr. Moritz Matthey joined the Hasso Plattner Foundation in 2020. As Head of Program Management, he drives strategy, program development, and impact management of the Foundation’s philanthropic projects. In addition, he is responsible for the Foundation’s work in the focus area of Science & Education. Prior to joining our organization, Moritz was a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. He earned his doctoral degree in stem cell biology from Cambridge University.

Linda RĂĽsen

Program Manager, Social & Conservation

Linda RĂĽsen has been with the Foundation since 2022. In her role as Program Manager since November 2023, she is responsible for the focus area Social & Conservation.

Linda RĂĽsen

Linda Rüsen has been with the Foundation since 2022. In her role as Program Manager since November 2023, she is responsible for the focus area Social & Conservation. Prior to joining our organization as Manager for IT Projects, Linda developed data & analytics solutions for Audit teams at KMPG. She earned her Master’s Degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation at the University of Potsdam.

Alyson Marczynski

Program Manager, Art & Culture

Alyson Marczynski has been with our organization since 2021. As Program Manager, she is responsible for the Foundation’s work in the focus area of Art & Culture.

Alyson Marczynski

Alyson Marczynski has been with our organization since 2021. As Program Manager, she is responsible for the Foundation’s work in the focus area of Art & Culture. Prior to joining the Foundation, Alyson worked with numerous international NGOs including Transparency International, Ashoka, and Oxfam. She also has experience in the public sector from working for the City of New York. Alyson earned her master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University.

Elise Grubits

Head of People & Culture

Elise Grubits joined the Foundation in 2016. Since 2023 she has been leading the People & Culture function, overseeing the entire candidate & employee journey.

Elise Grubits

Elise Grubits joined the Foundation in 2016. Since 2023 she has been leading the People & Culture function, overseeing the entire candidate & employee journey. Prior to joining the Foundation Elise worked in Science Management for Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technical University Berlin and Frankfurt School of Science & Management. Elise holds a master’s degree in business administration from HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management and EADA Business School Barcelona as well as a master’s degree in integrated natural resource management.

Natalia Graur

Senior Manager Internal Communications

Natalia Graur joined our team in 2022. She oversees the Foundation’s internal communication, maintains the content on the Foundation’s website and curates the Foundation’s social media channels.

Natalia Graur

Natalia Graur joined our team in 2022. She oversees the Foundation’s internal communication, maintains the content on the Foundation’s website, and curates the Foundation’s social media channels to showcase the impact of our projects and engage our stakeholders. Reaching international audiences with targeted communication has been one of the red threads during Natalia’s career, which saw her leading the U.S. Embassy Alumni Resource Center in Chisinau, Moldova to steering internal communications in the global anti-corruption movement, Transparency International. Natalia earned her master’s degree in international relations from the Freie University Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the University of Potsdam.  

Our Team CTA2