Michael Okrob
Executive Director @Kinnings Foundation
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WORK HISTORY
Executive Director @Kinnings Foundation
Kinnings Foundation is the private philanthropic foundation of Rubin Ritter, Robert Gentz and David Schneider, the founders of Zalando SE. We invest in promising social impact organisations with highly ambitious leadership teams who are dedicated to advancing opportunities for children and youth. Our regional focus is Eastern Germany.• Foundation Building and Strategic Direction: Spearheaded the establishment of the Kinnings Foundation, steering it from inception towards a forward-looking strategy,\"Kinnings 2024+\". Played a pivotal role in team development, elevating the first hire to Co-CEO, and aligning organisational strategy with shareholder visions.• Brand Development and Network Expansion: Executed a significant brand transformation and established a new corporate identity, positioning the foundation as a recognisable and engaging entity. Strengthened regional influence by setting up offices in key Eastern German locations (Potsdam, Erfurt), with further expansion planned.• Partnership and Capacity Building: Built a portfolio of 15 impact partners, offering close collaboration with Senior Leadership Teams on strategic and operational matters, facilitating access to relevant partners, enhancing visibility, and providing continuous motivation and support.• Advocacy and Regional Engagement: Championed the interests of East German civil society, establishing the foundation as a vital connector and advocate. Instrumental in promoting regional perspectives at national levels, e.g. by orchestrating events (\"Kinnings Konvent\",\"Kinnings Dinner\") to forge social capital among diverse stakeholders and raise our partners\' visibility.• Achieving Market Position and Distinction: Transitioned the foundation from startup phase to a prominent, professionally recognised organisation with a unique competitive edge. This was achieved through strategic leadership and a clear focus on fostering societal change through collaboration, partnerships and targeted support.
EDUCATION
Macalester College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economis, Political Science
Harvard Kennedy School
Executive Education Degree, The Art and Practice of Leadership Development
Hertie School
Master, Public Policy
SKILLS
ABOUT MICHAEL OKROB
I bring passion, entrepreneurial drive, and strategic leadership to building award-winning organizations and empowering exceptional talent. As Executive Director of the Kinnings Foundation, I work with inspiring changemakers and leading entrepreneurs to strengthen civil society in Eastern Germany and beyond.My journey combines founding and scaling impactful philanthropic initiatives with a deep understanding of strategy and leadership. As a co-founder of Teach First Deutschland, I helped create a national movement for educational equity. My experience at McKinsey & Company sharpened my ability to lead ambitious projects and nurture high-performing teams.Today, I’m proud to work with visionary leaders, including Zalando co-founder Rubin Ritter, my trusted Co-Executive Director and close ally Tina Lagemann, as well as Teach First CEO Liz Heid, to create innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges.In addition to my entrepreneurial work, I serve as Chair of the Shareholders’ Assembly at Teach First Deutschland and as a member of a local church board in Potsdam. Prior to this I was a long-time board member at Education Y. These roles reflect my expertise in board leadership, governance, and fostering collaboration across diverse communities.With degrees from the Hertie School of Governance and Macalester College as well as invaluable executive experiences at the Harvard Kennedy School and the German-Israeli Leaders Network, I’ve developed an international perspective that blends analytical rigor with entrepreneurial creativity. But what truly drives me is connecting people, ideas, and resources to create environments where talent can thrive and bold ideas can flourish.Whether in work or life, I believe in the power of optimism, energy, and a touch of — Rhineland-inspired — joy. If you’re looking for a leader who combines vision with action, let’s connect.
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