31 Mar 2025

Dr. Natalie Brandenburg appointed managing director of the German Packaging Institute

On April 1, 2025, Dr. Natalie Brandenburg will assume the role of Managing Director at the German Packaging Institute, bringing extensive expertise in sustainability and change management to the organisation.

On April 1, 2025, Dr. Natalie Brandenburg will step into the role of Managing Director of the German Packaging Institute (dvi), a significant development in the packaging industry landscape. As a pivotal industry network, dvi is poised to benefit from Dr. Brandenburg's extensive experience and acumen in key areas such as sustainability, leadership, and change management.

Dr. Brandenburg brings to her new position a wealth of relevant expertise, having spent many years immersed in systemic organisational consultancy. Her appointment has been met with enthusiasm from dvi’s CEO, Thomas Reiner, who highlighted her exceptional skills in leading teams through complex changes and fostering open communication. “Dr. Natalie Brandenburg is a dynamic designer of change and solution‐finding processes,” said Reiner. He noted that her proficiency in navigating intricate social situations and her belief in the value of networking as a catalyst for innovation align perfectly with the strategic goals of the German Packaging Institute.

The organisation's Executive Board and staff are eager to collaborate with Dr. Brandenburg, confident that her “positive energy and strong drive to move things forward” will further enhance the dvi’s offerings to member companies. The board anticipates that under her leadership, dvi will not only provide vital services but also generate critical momentum for the future.

Dr. Brandenburg has an impressive educational background, holding a Bachelor of Arts in German Philology, History, and Anthropology, as well as a Master of Public Policy (MPP). She earned her doctorate in conflict research from the University of Kent, a foundation that informs her aptitude for mediation and advocacy. Her professional journey includes a notable tenure as a senior consultant and mediator for Sedlák & Partner and most recently, as a senior project manager and head of the sustainability centre of excellence team for S&P Consulting SE.

As she prepares to take charge at dvi, Dr. Brandenburg has expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I very much look forward to working with the dvi team to bring together key players in the packaging industry and further expand our services.” She emphasised her belief in the importance of creating platforms that facilitate dialogue among stakeholders across the value chain and the role such initiatives can play in fostering innovation within the sector.

The German Packaging Institute, established to serve as a nexus for various stakeholders in the packaging industry, aims to engage deeply with its members and address the evolving challenges and opportunities within this dynamic field. With Dr. Brandenburg at the helm, the dvi is set to navigate the complexities of the packaging landscape and explore innovative pathways that cater to the needs of its diverse membership base.

As the packaging sector faces ongoing transformations driven by environmental considerations and technological advancements, the dvi's strategic vision under Dr. Brandenburg's leadership is expected to resonate strongly with industry players. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the German Packaging Institute, with the potential to invigorate collaboration and development within this vital industry.