Prof. Dr. Waldemar Pelz
Expert in Talent Management, Leadership Development and Psychometric Assessment
Prof. Dr. Waldemar Pelz is an emeritus professor at THM University of Applied Sciences in Germany and founder and Managing Director of the Institute for Management Innovation. He combines empirical research with extensive business experience to help organizations identify leadership potential, select suitable candidates and develop effective leaders.
Research with Practical Relevance
His research addresses a central question: Which personality traits and competencies contribute to leadership success?
More than 20 years of empirical research, drawing on over 100,000 assessment records, underpin his work on personality, leadership competencies, empathy, resilience and volition—the ability to translate intentions into results. This research informs validated psychometric tests and 360-degree feedback instruments for talent management and leadership development.
Business and Academic Experience
His professional background includes ten years at Sanofi, with roles in sales, as an executive board assistant and as Head of Leadership Development, as well as six years managing a medium-sized family business. His academic experience includes teaching General Management, Marketing and International Management at THM and an appointment as Honorary Visiting Professor at Aston University in Birmingham. He holds a doctorate from Goethe University Frankfurt.
His guiding principle is to combine scientifically validated methods with practical relevance, giving organizations a sound basis for selection and development decisions. His books and applied research explore how personality, competencies and self-management relate to professional effectiveness.