Prof. Dr. Mario Krist (born 1975) has held the Chair of Corporate Finance and Financial Services in the Department of Services and Consulting since September 1, 2026. After completing his studies in Würzburg and Giessen, he earned his Ph.D. in 2008 from Jacobs University Bremen with a dissertation on “Internationalization and Firm Performance” and also worked as a research fellow alongside psychologists and sociologists at the interdisciplinary “Research Unit for Entrepreneurship” in Giessen. During this time, Krist also held teaching positions at the University of Bolzano, Italy, and, beginning in 2024, at the Cologne Business School. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Mario Krist joined the central controlling department at Bayer AG in Leverkusen in 2008, before holding finance positions at Covestro AG from 2011 to 2025 with increasing responsibility. Among other things, he headed the M&A department, including building the organization from the ground up. Most recently, as part of several transformation programs, he focused on financial issues from the perspective of the circular economy, digitalization, and efficiency improvements. Here, Prof. Dr. Mario Krist briefly introduces himself in his new role as Professor of Corporate Finance and Financial Services:
You’ve been a professor of corporate finance and financial services at HWG LU since early September 2026. Did you get off to a good start?
Yes, I had the kind of start one could only hope for. I was particularly impressed by the openness and warmth of all the staff at HWG LU whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so far. I was fortunate to start with a limited teaching assignment as early as the summer semester of 2026, so this isn’t a complete fresh start for me—I’m already familiar with certain processes. That makes it even easier for me to focus directly on course content and education now.
The students’ curiosity and openness have made my start easy, which is certainly not insignificant when you’re shifting your focus back to academic education after a long time in the professional world.
What responsibilities does your new position entail?
I am taking over the professorship in General Business Administration—specifically, Corporate Finance and Financial Services—which was previously held by Prof. Dr. Hartmut Walz, whom I would like to take this opportunity to thank once again for his very warm and welcoming reception. My teaching responsibilities cover a broad range of topics, from introductory courses in the bachelor’s program to more specialized subjects such as behavioral finance or financial issues in the field of mergers and acquisitions. In addition to advancing my work in education and research, I also place great importance on expanding collaborations with the professional world.
What particularly appeals to you about this new position?
My passion for university pedagogy has been with me since I earned my doctorate. I am therefore all the more delighted that, after more than 15 years in the professional world, I have now been given the opportunity to return to academia and build on that foundation.
I am convinced that, with my many years of practical experience in various leadership roles in the finance division of a global DAX-listed corporation, I can provide important impetus for the development of the professorship and the university’s work. I am very much looking forward to this. The connection between conceptual thinking and implementation has always been central to my approach. On this basis, I am confident that I can use my professional expertise to impart up-to-date practical knowledge to students.
What do you see as a particular challenge?
I see theparticular challenge in helping students understand that finance is much more than just a world of numbers. Rather, it reflects the results of economic activity as a quantitative representation of corporate operations. Understanding and recognizing the interconnections within a company is key to this. In conjunction with the business environment, this is a core concept that I would like to convey to students.
What did you do professionally before taking office in Ludwigshafen?
My experience as head of the M&A department and the execution of several—in some cases highly complex—transactions worldwide will certainly be central to my future role. In addition, as part of several transformation programs over the past few years, I’ve dealt intensively with a wide variety of financial issues, whether from the perspective of the circular economy, digitalization, or efficiency improvements.
Why did you choose HWG LU?
Teaching methodology and the promotion of young talent have been close to my heart throughout my entire career. The wide range of backgrounds and experiences among the students here in Ludwigshafen is something that particularly motivates me.
In addition, I worked for over 15 years at a global chemical company down the Rhine. I bring practical business experience to many of the key economic issues facing the Ludwigshafen region. I hope to stay on the cutting edge in the future as well by maintaining close ties with the professional world.
Thank you very much!
