11 Fifty-Nine.
Communication. When it matters most.
Since 2025, I’m providing consultancy in crisis communications and management under the brand “11 Fifty-Nine”. I bring to the table leadership experience from 25+ years in aviation, tourism, and travel—on topics where communication matters most. My credo: Think strategically, act pragmatically and lead with empathy.
When the going gets tough, I come into play. I bring a calm mind to complex situations and offer guidance. Approachable, but focused. Strategic, but effective in implementation. With a focus on achieving your goals. That’s how I make the difference.
My key expertise: Crisis readiness and trainings, consultancy in actual crises, reputation management, issues management, change, litigation and restructuring.
My Services
I consult and support corporations and organisations
before, during, and after a critical phase.
BEFORE
”Prepare“
01
Crisis Check Up and
Assessment
02
Crisis concepts and plans
03
Readiness: Develop the Right Mindset
DURING
”Respond“
04
Strategic Consulting and Hands-on Support
05
Media Training
06
Media Monitoring & Analysis
AFTER
”Repair“
07
Repair Strategy
Rebuild Trust
08
Debrief/Review
09
Post Emergency Communication
Furthermore, I give 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
I have the privilege of living and working in exciting times. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience from countless topics, crises and issues. Here is a brief overview.
Career
- since 2025 Independent Crisis Communications Consultant
- 2015-2025 TUI Group
- Global Head of Internal Communications
- Head of Communications TUI Deutschland
- Head of Communications TUI AG
- Head of Communications TUI fly
- Head of Crisis Communications
- 2000-2015 Lufthansa Group
- Director Corporate Communications Europe
- Director Corporate Communications The Americas
- SVP Communications LSG Sky Chefs
- Team Lead Online Communications
- 1995-2000 E.ON SE
- Public Relations Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- 1990-1995
Master studies in mass communication science, economics and politics, Ruhr-Universtität Bochum, Germany
Experience
In the thick of it instead of just being around. I have been familiar with crises and issues from practical work for over 20 years, not just from the handbook.
- 2020-22: Covid-19 pandemic
- 2019-20: Boeing 737 MAX grounding
- 2016: Sickout at a German leisure airline
- 2015: Germanwings 4U 9525
- 2010: Eyjaflällajökul/ashcloud European airspace
- 2004-05: Tsunami
- 2002-03: SARS
- 2001: 9/11 attacks
- as well as natural disasters (z.B. Hurricane “Irma”, wildfires on Rhodes), cyber attacks, fatalities and reputational crises
Lectures, Keynotes, Masterclasses
I share my insights and experience at lectures, conferences, keynotes and expert panels, for example here:
Unleashing Innovation in Digital Comms (2025) IATA Crisis Summits (2024, 2018, 2016, 2013), Academy for Public Administration (Risk and Security Management) (2025, 2024, 2023, 2017), German Police Academy (2017), Foreign Office UK (2017), International Crisis Travel Summit (2018), Global PR Summit (2022, 2017), DPRG Takeoff (2021), Quadriga KK Kongress (2019, 2018), BdKom Kommunikationskongress (2016, 2013), enpact (2020)
Expert Committees
I regularly exchange ideas with international experts – so clients benefit from my access to academic and practical networks. I am an active member of these committees:
11 Fifty Nine – The Crisis Blog
Contact
I look forward to hearing from you. As a first step towards establishing contact. For an informal or professional exchange of thoughts. Or to explore opportunities for cooperation. Send me an e-mail…
… or contact me by phone
at +49 152 515 35 778.
“Crisis is a productive state. You just have to take away the flavour of disaster.”
Max Frisch
Swiss novelist and architect, 1911-1991