11 Fifty-Nine.
Communication. When it matters most.
What I do
Most of my work starts when leaders realise that the real risk isn’t the crisis itself, but how their organisation shows up under pressure. I help them prepare for that moment — and lead through it when it happens.
Crisis Communications is essential. But plans and templates won’t fix a problem. In a crisis, it takes experience, situational awareness, and the ability to communicate clearly when emotions are high.
As a crisis communications advisor with a communications track record of 25+ years for global companies, I support leaders to manage their most critical asset: trust.
The result of my work: Faster and more confident decision-making, clear and impactful messages, no self-inflicted damage and instead, the opportunity to emerge from a crisis without reputational loss.
What sets me apart: My clients always work directly with me. No delegation to juniors, no generic crisis playbooks — instead: hands-on leadership communication rooted in real-life experience. Advisory on the spot, when the outcome truly matters.
My Services
I advise and support corporations and organisations
before, during, and after a critical situation.
My range of services: Crisis readiness, planning and training, advisory in ad hoc crises, as well as transformation and change projects.
BEFORE
”Prepare“
01
Crisis Check Up and
Assessment
02
Crisis communications frameworks and planning
03
Readiness: Develop the Right Mindset
DURING
”Respond“
04
Strategic Consulting and Hands-on Support
05
Media Training and Messaging Development
06
Listening & Analysis
AFTER
”Repair“
07
Repair Strategy
Rebuild Trust
08
After-Action Review and Learnings from Crises
09
Post Emergency Communication
Furthermore, I deliver keynote speeches and conduct management briefings – for example, on the topic of “Leadership in a crisis”. In the event of ongoing critical phases, I am available as an interim manager.
About me
With an industry background in aviation, tourism, travel and energy, I have the privilege of working in challenging times. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience from actively managing numerous crises and issues.
Career
Since 2025, I’m a crisis communications advisor and Managing Director of my own boutique advisory firm
11 Fifty-Nine.
Previously, I worked in corporate communications functions in publicly listed, international corporations. My career path led from energy powerhouse E.ON SE (1995-2000) to the largest European airline group, Lufthansa (2000-2015) to TUI Group, the world’s largest leisure travel group (2015-2025).
During my corporate career, I held various leadership positions in Germany, Europe and the US, such as Global Head of Communications, Director Corporate Communications and Head of Crisis Communications. During this time, I led major communications functions and projects.
For the full CV, visit my LinkedIn profile here.
Career
Experience
Experience
In the thick of it instead of just being around — I have managed crises and issues for over 25 years, including but not limited to pandemics, aircraft fleet groundings, sickout and labor disputes, the Germanwings 4U 9525 crash, the European airspace closure, the 2004 tsunami, 9/11, cyber attacks, and several restructuring, cost-saving and change/transformation projects.
Keynotes and Lectures
I share my insights and experience at conferences, keynotes and expert panels, such as ITB (2026), IATA Crisis Summits, UK Foreign Office UK, International Crisis Travel Summit, Global PR Summits, and Communication Conferences of DPRG, Quadriga or BdKom.
Amongst others, I’m currently a lecturer for Risk and Security Management (Bremen).
Keynotes and Lectures
Expertise
Expert Committees
I regularly exchange ideas with international experts – so clients benefit from my access to academic and practical networks.
I am a Core Partner for Strategic Leadership of the CCTT Crisis Communications Think Tank of the University of Georgia (UGA), Co-head of the Task Force Crisis and Issues Management of DPRG (Deutsche PR Gesellschaft) and member of the Global Resilience Network.
11 Fifty Nine – The Crisis Blog
Contact
Are you interested in learning more about how 11 Fifty-Nine can support your organisation, whether it’s before, during or after a crisis? Send me an e-mail…
… or contact me by phone at +49 176 978 19363 (in urgent cases: 24/7).
“Crisis is a productive state. You just have to take away the flavour of disaster.”
Max Frisch
Swiss novelist and architect, 1911-1991