Who is Bayer's New CFO, Dr Judith Hartmann?

Bayer AG has announced the appointment of Dr Judith Hartmann as its next Chief Finance Officer, effective from 1 June 2026. Bayer confirmed she will join the company’s Board of Management on the same date.

Judith is set to succeed current CFO, Wolfgang Nickl, who will be retiring at the end of May 2026 after a seven-year tenure in the role.

Professor Dr Norbert Winkeljohann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG, commented on the departure of the incumbent, saying: “Wolfgang Nickl has built a strong foundation over the past seven years as CFO.

“Under his leadership, the structure and operations have been dramatically simplified with further improvements in the effectiveness of the organisation and extensive efficiency gains. We are very grateful for this.”

Hartmann's international experience

In a statement, Norbert highlighted Judith's background, saying "Bayer is gaining a highly accomplished leader with vast international experience.

“She brings both strategic insight and strong operational skills. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated transformational leadership - guiding businesses through challenges and discovering new opportunities. We are convinced that she will make a great contribution to the future of the company.”

Judith has been an Operating Partner at the private investment firm Sandbrook Capital since 2023. 

Previously, she was CFO and Deputy CEO at the French energy company ENGIE and has also held the position of Group Chief Finance Officer at Bertelsmann, a media and education company.

Judith’s experience includes several non-executive director roles. She was on the Board of Unilever from 2015 to 2024 and joined the Board of Directors of professional services firm Marsh McLennan in 2023. She was also appointed to the Board of Ørsted, an offshore wind energy company.

A new chapter of focused investment

Writing on her LinkedIn profile, Judith said she is “honoured” to be joining Bayer in 2026. 

She said that “Bayer’s mission - 'Health for All, Hunger for None' - deeply resonated with my personal and professional passions.”

Having worked in related industries, she said she looks forward “to contributing to the next chapter of focused investment, disciplined execution and innovation at scale".

She added: “In the coming months, I look forward to listening and learning from Bayer colleagues, partners, patients, consumers and farmers around the world.”

Bayer’s sustainability commitments

Bayer's mission of ‘Health for All, Hunger for None’ is also reflected in its climate and sustainability initiatives. 

On 10 November, the company announced the restoration of a historic building in Belém, the host city of COP30, now named Casa Bayer, intended to bring stakeholders together.

Additionally, Bayer, alongside Deutsche Bank and Siemens, has signed an agreement with rainforest nations to support forest conservation efforts through carbon markets under the Paris Agreement.

Bayer has also become a member of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance, through which it says it contributes to reducing CO2 emissions in global air transport.

Bill Anderson, Member and Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG, commented on Bayer's activities in Brazil ahead of COP30. “Bayer has a long and deep connection with the people of Brazil, our customers and employees. 

“With COP30 taking place in one of our most important markets, we wanted to find a different and more lasting means of engagement, one that shows our great interest in the health and prosperity of this country and the planet.”