Change in leadership at the AIES

Velina Tchakarova is leaving the AIES, Michael Zinkanell will follow as the new Director

In the light of the current transition, we would like to announce that a change in leadership took place at the AIES. As of 1 March 2023, Michael Zinkanell, currently Deputy Director of the AIES, took over the leadership of our security policy think tank.

We would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank our previous Director Velina Tchakarova for her long-term support. During the last 13 years, Velina Tchakarova has contributed to the continuous development of the AIES through her commitment, leadership as well as her dedication in various functions. Against this background, the prominence of our Institute has grown and the expertise of our security community was strengthened.

We are grateful for the productive time we spent together and wish Velina Tchakarova all the best for the future. We are convinced that she will be successful in new role as consultant and look forward to further project-related cooperation with her.

In his new position, Michael Zinkanell will take over the strategic and operational management of the AIES. In this context he is the central point of contact of the AIES for all cooperation partners and projects. Michael Zinkanell is looking forward to the further development of AIES’ focus topics and to continue the professional partnership with various stakeholders.