BSL Doctorate Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Katharina-Maria Rehfeld  

Doctoral Supervisor

Nationality: German

Professional Career & Mini Bio

Katharina-Maria Rehfeld is Professor of Human Resources at IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany, where she serves as Study Program Leader for the M.A. Human Resources Management and B.A. Human Resource Management programs. She also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at the Geneva Business School (GBS) and the Fernfachhochschule Schweiz (FFHS). Her academic work combines strategic human resource management, talent and leadership development, organizational behavior, employer branding, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence and people analytics in HR.

Before joining IU, she worked as a Research Associate at EPFL in Lausanne and as Lecturer and Research Associate at Tongji University in Shanghai. Prior to her academic career, she held senior HR leadership roles in China, including Head of Human Resources Development at Allianz China Life Insurance and Head of Training & Management Consulting at the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) in Shanghai. Across these roles, she led teams, developed talent and succession programs, advised organizations on strategic HR topics, and worked in highly international and cross-cultural environments.

She holds a PhD in Economics (Dr. rer. pol.) from Heidelberg University. Her current research focuses especially on AI in recruiting and people development, diversity, inclusion and gender equity, employer branding & attractiveness and and individual and organizational dynamics and change. Her work is strongly practice-oriented and aims to translate research into actionable insights for organizations, leaders, and HR professionals.

Favorite research topics

Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management and Recruiting

Artificial Intelligence in People Development and Training

Diversity, Inclusion, Gender Equity and Organisational Culture

Employer Branding and Employer Attractiveness

Talent Management, Leadership Development and Organizational Growth

New Work and the Future of Work

Cross-Cultural Management, Coaching and International HRM