The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce is pleased to introduce Stefanie Ziska as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms. Ziska brings a wealth of international experience, having held several roles within the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK), most recently as CEO of the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Zagreb, Croatia, and as Director of the Delegation of German Industry for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ms. Ziska's professional journey is marked by her profound impact on fostering German business interests abroad. After completing her law studies in Germany and Greece, she began her career in legal positions in Germany before transitioning to the United States, where she joined the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. (GACC South). Rising through the ranks, she became Director of Marketing in 2008 and Vice President in 2011, before being appointed President & CEO in 2017. During her time as President & CEO, she led the development of the joint German-American Chamber USA brand and initiated the now-successful nationwide skilled workforce initiative promoting the German Dual Vocational Training System across the U.S.
Her leadership has been recognised with several awards, including the Governor’s Award of Georgia for International Business Woman of the Year in 2016. In 2020, she returned to Europe to lead the German-Croatian Chamber, where she also served as the official representative of the State of Bavaria in Croatia and as an Advisory Board member for the association "Znanje na djelu"(Wissen am Werk). She was named Brand Ambassador for the Young Energy Europe Project in 2021.
As she steps into her new role with the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Ms. Ziska is eager to strengthen the economic ties between Germany and Ireland. She notes, "Ireland has experienced remarkable economic growth in recent decades, making it an attractive destination for investment and trade. The longstanding economic relationship between Germany and Ireland is a testament to the strong foundation we have built together."
Ms. Ziska highlights Ireland’s strategic advantages, including its highly skilled workforce, strong focus on technological innovation, and substantial investments in research and development. "Ireland's commitment to technical and vocational education ensures a pool of well-educated, adaptable workers, while the country's investment in research and technological innovation offers fertile ground for collaboration. Moreover, Ireland's significant wind resources and potential for hydrogen production position it as a crucial player in Europe's decarbonisation efforts. German companies are well-placed to contribute their expertise in this area, offering technologies and solutions to help scale the industry and secure sustainable energy supplies."
Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Ms. Ziska added, "After many years with the AHK network in the Southern U.S. and a return to Europe in 2020, I am excited to build upon the strong economic connections between Germany and Ireland."
The German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce looks forward to the continued growth of German-Irish business relations under Ms. Ziska's leadership, building on her impressive track record of fostering international partnerships and driving economic success.