Ingo Kleindienst

Professor Ingo Kleindienst is a seasoned Full Professor of Strategy and International Business at Aarhus University, with deep expertise in areas critical to organizations navigating international growth. His work combines academic rigor with practical relevance, making him particularly well-suited to lead high-impact executive trainings.

His research centers on corporate growth strategies—such as internationalization and de-internationalization, the role of distance in global expansion, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and the strategic influence of top executives, especially CEOs. His work is published in leading international journals, including Academy of Management Discoveries, Journal of International Management, Journal of Management, Journal of World Business, Journal of Business Ethics, and Multinational Business Review. He also serves on the editorial review boards of respected journals such as Long Range Planning, Journal of Business Research, and Business Strategy and the Environment.

For over a decade, Professor Kleindienst has taught MBA-level courses in strategy and change management, as well as international business courses at the MSc level. He also serves as Academic Director of the Aarhus BSS MSc International Business program. He brings extensive experience in clarifying strategic concepts and aligning them with real-world business priorities. His teaching bridges the gap between scientific research and practical application, making complex theories both accessible and directly useful for professionals.

Prior to his academic career, Professor Kleindienst worked as a Senior Consultant, leading strategy-focused projects such as corporate planning or customer profitability analysis. This hands-on experience enables him to connect academic insight with real-world decision-making—an essential capability when working with professionals.

He earned both his doctorate and Habilitation from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany and previously served as Assistant Professor of Strategy Processes at WHU.