Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg served as Federal Minister of Economics and Technology and Federal Minister of Defense. Today, he is Chairman of Spitzberg Partners LLC, a strategic management consulting and investment firm with an international focus.
In addition, Baron zu Guttenberg serves on numerous supervisory and advisory boards of international companies and organizations. A trained lawyer, he earned a doctorate (PhD in Finance) in 2019.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg: Europe in a World of Upheaval – Plagued by Crisis or Driven by Opportunity?
In addition to his work in business and consulting, he is active as a producer, host, and presenter of various media formats and is the author of numerous publications. His latest book, “3 Worte,” was published in the summer of 2025. Since 2023, he has co-hosted the weekly “Deutschland-Podcast” with Gregor Gysi; in early 2026, the shows “Land in Sicht” and “Make Amerika Good Again” also launched. At the same time, several personal media projects were bundled under the “Guttenberg” brand.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Lecture Topics
- What Challenges Does Germany Face in a Macroeconomic Environment Marked by Wars, Recession, a Shift to the Right, etc.?
- A Turning Point in World Politics – The Role of the U.S. and the Consequences for the Economy and Society
- Investing Amid Uncertainty – A Geopolitical Analysis
- Inflation, energy transition & geopolitical shifts: Quo Vadis Germany & Europe?
- USA, China, Russia & Middle East: Europe in an uncomfortable future
- The Middle East powder keg and the impact on Europe
- USA & Europe: The transatlantic alliance
- Russia, China & the Threats from the East: The Defense Policy of the Future
- ChatGPT, artificial intelligence, new technologies & fake news: the threat from the interne
As a Distinguished Statesman at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, he is leading a new high-profile initiative to promote transatlantic dialogue on current political, economic, and financial issues. Since December 2011, Freiherr zu Guttenberg has also served as a senior advisor to the EU’s No Disconnect Strategy Commission, which provides strategic advice to Internet users, bloggers, and cyber activists living in authoritarian regimes.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was Germany’s youngest Minister of Economics and Technology.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was a member of the Bundestag from 2002 to 2011 and a member of the Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2008. As Defense Minister, he was responsible for the most important structural reforms of the German armed forces. Freiherr zu Guttenberg published numerous articles on foreign, economic and security policy.
Freiherr zu Guttenberg was one of Angela Merkels star performers in her cabinet. The sometimes controversial politician provides unique insights into world affairs, foreign policy, economics and security issues. His in-depth knowledge of technology issues and practical experience in European Internet policy make Freiherr zu Guttenberg equally in demand as a commentator on the development of technology and the effective use of the Internet. Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg is a dynamic speaker and much sought-after commentator at major national and international forums.
Who is Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg?
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a German politician, entrepreneur, and consultant. He was a member of the CSU and served as Germany’s Minister of Economics and later as Minister of Defense from 2009 to 2011, before resigning due to a plagiarism scandal involving his doctoral thesis. After withdrawing from German politics, he founded the consulting firm Spitzberg Partners in New York and has been active in various economic and geopolitical fields. Additionally, he works as a speaker, documentary host, and podcast creator.
Since 2023, he has co-hosted the podcast Gysi gegen Guttenberg – Der Deutschland Podcast with Gregor Gysi, where they engage in controversial discussions on current political issues.