Graduate, Cologne University. Formerly: lectured at European Business School, Oestrich-Winkel and Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, where he serves as honorary professor; Secretary-General, German Council of Economic Experts; Chief Economist, DG Bank; Chief Economist and Head, Research DZ Bank. With Allianz: advises board on economic and strategic issues; responsible for analysis and forecasts of German and international economy, financial markets and risk analysis.