Markus Kirchschlager

Markus Kirchschlager leads the development of PANTARHEI Advisors in Germany and its global communications technology platforms practice. He focuses on strategic transformation at the intersection of communications, technology, leadership and organizational change. He specializes in leveraging global solutions for AI, EX, CX & Newsroom platforms to increase impact, guiding executive communications in complex environments, and aligning European Affairs with long-term strategy.

He advises clients from the DAX-40, family businesses, and DefenceTech scale-ups alike - including Bayer, BMW Group, Covestro, E.ON, Infineon, Lufthansa, MTU, Mountain Partners, Rohde & Schwarz, NORD/LB and the TRATON Group (MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Truck & Bus).

Before joining PANTARHEI, Markus served as spokesperson to the Management of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, where he was responsible for strategic communication across all channels and helped establish the institution’s Data Media Centre. His prior roles include head of political campaigns, consultant in PANTARHEI’s Brussels office, and project manager at the European Commission’s Information Centre. His work has been honoured with the Austrian government’s European State Prize and the International Electoral Award.

Markus is a trained computer scientist, holds an MBA in General Management & Finance from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and studied Knowledge and Communication Management at Danube University Krems. He is a graduate of the Global Advancement Programme and the Centre International de Formation Européenne.

He contributes his time as a Future50 Leader within the Global Shapers Community with the World Economic Forum’s Global Foresight Network - and is part of the European Commission’s Team Europe. In addition, he serves on the boards of the 1832 established Münchner Kaufmanns-Casino and the WU Executive Academy. Previously, he held leadership roles in the Austrian National Youth Council, the European Youth Parliament, and the Order of Malta’s integration network.