Marianne Heiss – When leadership, change, and responsibility become a mindset

“The future is a leadership task.”

This is not just an empty slogan, but Marianne Heiss’s attitude to life. At a time when companies and organizations are facing exponential change, she embodies leadership with vision, strength, and empathy. Her path—from her first steps in finance to the top of large companies and the highest supervisory boards—shows that change does not happen by chance, but through attitude.

Marianne Heiss – From numbers expert to pioneer of change

Marianne Heiss began her career with a degree in business administration in Wiener Neustadt, specializing in accounting, auditing, and management. She took on positions of responsibility at a young age: at just 21, she was office manager at a hotel chain, and at 24 she headed up finance and accounting at the Sellbytel Group.

But Heiss wanted to do more than just manage numbers. She aspired to shape processes, advance companies, and change structures — with vision and conviction. She moved to BBDO Group, where she took on financial management responsibilities in 1999. Step by step, she worked her way up until she took over the position of CFO Germany in 2013.

In 2019, she was appointed CEO of BBDO Group Germany—becoming the first woman to head the German branch of one of the largest international communications networks. Under her leadership, the group achieved record results, raised customer satisfaction and innovation to new levels, and strengthened diversity and sustainability as strategic pillars.

Values that make an impact

What sets Heiss apart from many others is her clear stance on what good leadership means. For her, numbers are only part of the picture — integrity, fairness, diversity, and a sense of responsibility are just as important. In interviews, she repeatedly says: “Equality must be a matter of course.”

She lives by this conviction — as a manager, as a role model, and as a decision-maker: Under her leadership, the proportion of women in top management at BBDO grew significantly.

She also brings this spirit to her supervisory board roles at large corporations such as Audi AG, Porsche SE, and other companies: It’s not just about returns, but about sustainable corporate governance, ESG (environmental, social, governance) commitments, and long-term value creation with responsibility.

Crises as opportunities – change as an attitude

Marianne Heiss has proven more than once that she can manage more than just good times. She has guided companies through crises, accompanied restructuring processes, and provided guidance even in turbulent times. She has always remained solution-oriented. In one of her most recent interviews, she summed it up as follows: “Cooperation is the key to growth.”

For her, transformation means not only process optimization, but also cultural change, openness, and the courage to change. It is precisely this authentic combination that makes her a sought-after speaker, consultant, and supervisory board member—among those who want more than just returns: sustainable impact, long-term stability, and human leadership.

Supervisory board member, author, catalyst: the new chapter

Since 2018, Marianne Heiss has been one of the most influential supervisory board members in Europe. She sits on the boards of large industrial groups, contributing not only financial expertise but also strategic vision and value orientation.

At the same time, she remains active as an author. Her books — including “YES SHE CAN — The Future of Management is Female” — are an expression of her commitment to diversity, equality, and modern leadership.

Latest step: Since 2024, she has been running the VOICES podcast, in which she talks to leading figures from business, politics, art, and culture about topics of the future. This allows her to stay close to the changes of our time and help shape the discourse.

Why Marianne Heiss belongs on every stage

• Practical experience: Almost 30 years of top management, finance, and leadership experience at an international level.
• Strategic foresight and values: She combines economic success with social responsibility and sustainable thinking.
• Diversity & inclusion: She stands for genuine equal opportunity — and shows how companies can grow as a result.
• Crisis resilience and change competence: She knows how to lead through uncertain times — with clarity, courage, and attitude.
• Inspiring voice: Her messages are clear, her demeanor respectful, her impact lasting.

When you book Marianne Heiss, you don’t get a standard keynote speech. You get vision, experience, and a clear stance—a speaker who motivates, provides guidance, and inspires action.

Book Marianne Heiss at Premium Speakers: 1 (704) 804 1054 or marianne.heiss@premium-speakers.com

Marianne Heiss is not just a manager or supervisory board member — she is a catalyst for a new generation of companies and executives who measure success not only in numbers, but in impact, responsibility, and human achievement. Her lectures, discussions, and engagements stand for change with substance.

“Responsibility, clarity, and courage — those who combine these qualities shape the future.