New addition to the partner network: thyssenkrupp

We are pleased to introduce thyssenkrupp as a new partner company of the Academic Society. In addition, we warmly welcome Frank Grodzki, Head of Corporate Communications at thyssenkrupp AG & Head of Communications at thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies, to the Corporate Advisory Board.

Frank Grodzki has led Corporate Communications at thyssenkrupp AG and Communications at thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies since March 2024. He is a trained journalist and history graduate and also has a certification in social media management from the IHK. Previously, he held senior communications roles at the KION Group and LANXESS. His areas of expertise include strategic corporate and CEO communications, organizational transformation support, and crisis communications in international companies. Frank combines journalistic experience with the ability to contextualize complex developments historically and has extensive experience communicating complex change processes.

Notable achievements of Frank include receiving the Prize for Research on Anti-Semitism from the Faculty of Philosophy at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and co-editing the volume “Is It All Just Water Under the Bridge…? History Projects in Master’s and Thesis Papers from Düsseldorf”. Frank regularly contributes insights on modern corporate communication and transformation in times of crisis.

Talking business & getting personal

In a brief exchange, Frank discussed the future of corporate communications with us and what draws him to the Academic Society. We also chatted on a lighter note, for example about topics that bring out his inner nerd.

What motivates you to join the Academic Society? What benefits are you looking forward to?

To me, the Academic Society brings together two elements of communication practice that should be more closely integrated: a scientific foundation and practical applicability. I am drawn to the opportunity to engage with individuals who manage communication strategically and develop it conceptually through research. I look forward to gaining new perspectives. I’m equally keen to engage in robust dialogue between theory and practice to improve the effectiveness of communication during times of profound change.

What changes do you hope to see in corporate communications in the next five years?

Over the next five years, I hope corporate communications will be recognized as an even stronger strategic leadership function in boardrooms. It should be seen not just as a broadcasting center, but also as a central authority that provides sound analysis, clear direction, and credible dialogue. At the same time, the communicative challenge will increase. Likewise, the need to clearly, consistently, and credibly convey complex transformations to diverse target groups in an environment of ongoing, multiple crises will grow. In this context, artificial intelligence will change not only processes and formats. It will also affect the structures and role models within communications departments. There will be an increased demand for generalists who can combine strategic, technological, and communication skills to effectively integrate different disciplines.

Which areas of communication are still underexplored in research and worth diving into?

In my view, more research is warranted at the intersection of communication, leadership, and transformation – especially during times of economic and geopolitical uncertainty. There is still too little understanding of how communication can concretely stabilize trust during periods of profound upheaval. This applies to employees, the capital markets, politics, and the public. Consulting history for insights is also worthwhile: the dynamics of leadership and transformation in challenging times can be better understood through a historical lens. While history does not provide a blueprint, it sharpens our awareness of patterns, ruptures, and the communication that accompanies change.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing instead?

I would have likely sought a role at the intersection of journalism and history education, perhaps at a publishing house with a historical focus. I’m drawn to making complex topics accessible, putting connections into context, and opening up new perspectives through thoughtful questions. From there, I work toward finding robust answers.

What’s a niche topic you could talk about for hours — no slides needed?

The American Civil War. What fascinates me about it is how the traditional South and the industrialized North originally shared common democratic founding principles. Over decades, however, they drifted apart due to differing visions of society, order, and freedom, eventually clashing. The concept of freedom is particularly important to me. Specifically, how it is conceived, defended, and redefined.

If you could swap minds with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

I would love to be Heinz Erhardt for a day. I’m fascinated by how he used language to convey lightness, wit, and depth simultaneously. It would be fascinating to experience how he made such a distinctive impact with his extraordinary feel for language, subtle undertones, charm, and humor.

Dear Frank, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Academic Society. Thank you for your valuable input, we’re looking forward to our collaboration and to learning more from your expertise.

You can find all the partner companies on the Corporate Advisory Board here.