Leadership

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OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Leadership Team at ISD consists of the nine members of senior management. The team meets regularly to provide direction for the day-to-day operation and the continued development of ISD, and to ensure that learning is at the centre of long-term strategic and operational planning.

ISD Director - Mr Frank Tschan
Mr Frank Tschan ISD Director Since 2001, Frank has been associated with ISD in a number of teaching, coaching and leadership roles, prior to his appointment as Director in 2020. Frank describes himself as a “servant leader who aims to embody the spirit of the lifelong learner”. Passionate about ISD, Frank prioritises the well-being of the ISD community, from students and faculty to parents and alumni. He envisions ISD as a place where opportunities to learn, participate, and belong are fundamental to students' success, aligning with our mission of being a learning community that takes you beyond where you think you can go. Frank studied Education at Cortland State University (New York), the University of Maryland College Park and the National Sports University in Cologne, Germany. He holds his Bachelor and Masters degrees in teaching and has earned highest-level coaching licences from German and U.S. sports federations. Frank has work experiences ranging from schools to universities to national governing bodies across the U.S. and Europe, primarily in the area of teacher training and development, and coaching. Fluent in German, Frank has lived in the Düsseldorf area since 2005, and has a German wife and two grown daughters.
Elementary School Principal - Mr Stephen Barratt
Mr Stephen Barratt Elementary School Principal Steve Barratt spent the first part of his working life in Australia and since 2004 he has worked in five International Schools across Germany, Hong Kong and Australia. As a teacher he has taught elementary school as well as secondary school Business and Economics. He completed his Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2009. For eight years Steve worked as a Director of Curriculum/Teaching and Learning, firstly at the International School of Dusseldorf (ISD) and then at The Friends School in Hobart, Tasmania. Steve is currently in his fourth year as an Elementary School Principal after returning to ISD in the midst of the pandemic. As a Principal, Steve has a passion and interest in nurturing highly collaborative teams whose primary focus is on improving student learning. This aligns with the ISD mission statement where ‘we work and grow together as an international community of learners.’
Senior School Principal - Mr Colin Campbell
Mr Colin Campbell Senior School Principal Following his university education in Cambridge and York, England, Colin had stints as a science teacher in Basildon, Lusaka, Caracas and Vienna, before landing at ISD in 1996. His three children went all the way through ISD, studied in the UK, and are currently working as professionals in Germany. Every day Colin is reminded of the individual potential in every student and that every interaction and experience has learning and growth potential. Collaborating with his highly committed teacher colleagues, the aim is to create an environment in the senior school that supports and challenges every student on their journey so that they may each flourish in their own special way. Colin is committed to the ideals of the International Baccalaureate including the importance of high academic expectations, of holistic education, and of character development.
Facilities Manager - Mr Wolfgang Geuecke
Mr Wolfgang Geuecke Facilities Manager Wolfgang joined the International School of Düsseldorf in 2011, as head of the newly-established Facilities Management department, set up to better support teaching and learning at ISD. Wolfgang holds both a Dipl.Ing (engineering qualification) and an eMBA, and has previously worked in various technical, QM, and health and safety management roles. In addition to his managerial focus, Wolfgang’s passion lies in sustainability. He has spearheaded numerous projects pivotal to ISD’s accreditation as an EcoSchool, and his vision aligns with the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and eco-friendly practices. Wolfgang brings not only technical expertise, but a genuine dedication to creating a greener, more sustainable future for the ISD community. Married with two daughters and a granddaughter, Wolfgang enjoys family life, mirroring the sense of family and community found at ISD.
Director of Sports & Activities - Mr Gil Grant
Mr Gil Grant Director of Sports & Activities Gil, along with his wife and two children, joined ISD in 2022 after working at four International Schools in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Copenhagen over the past 20 years. He has been involved in all aspects of after-school programmes and completed his Masters in Coaching Education in 2010. He is a strong advocate of the IB educational system and how it encourages students to actively participate in sports and activities. His focus is on collaborating with coaches and activity instructors to create positive and enjoyable experiences that teach diverse skills to students. Gil is inspired by the profound impact that sports and activities have on students, nurturing confidence, establishing friendships, and creating lasting memories that extend beyond their time at ISD.
Director of Teaching, LEARNING & TechnologY - Ms Sibylle Harth
Ms Sibylle Harth Director of Teaching, Learning, & Technology Sibylle Harth discovered who she is as an educator when making the transition from a national system to a three-programme IB school in 2006. Co-constructing learning with and for learners has become central to her work with adolescent and adult learners alike. This professional learning journey has brought her to the International School of Düsseldorf, where she now serves as Director of Teaching, Learning & Technology. Sibylle enjoys exploring the systems behind continuous school improvement and has served in various leadership roles at schools in the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and Germany.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS & ADVANCEMENT - Ms Jackie Leuer-Hingsen
Ms Jackie Leuer-Hingsen Director of Community Relations & Advancement As an ISD alumna with a strong background in strategy, brand building, and entrepreneurship, Jackie brings a unique perspective to leadership. Her journey from student to parent within the ISD community has deepened her understanding of its values and potential. Passionate about fostering strong connections, Jackie aims to enhance digital communication channels, ensuring seamless interaction between students, parents, and faculty. She is committed to inspiring alumni to reconnect with and contribute to the beloved ISD community, believing that a united, engaged network can drive positive change and growth. Her philosophy centres on leveraging her diverse expertise to cultivate an inclusive, innovative environment where every member feels valued and empowered.
DIRECTOR of FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION - Mr Matthias Pucklitzsch
Mr Matthias Pucklitzsch Director of Finance & Administration Matthias originally trained as an administrative officer for the German Government, but soon discovered his passion for finance and management. After receiving his degree in Business Administration in 2007, he moved to Asia where he worked in a variety of managerial positions related to finance and treasury. For more than seven of his 10 years abroad, he was Director of Administration & Finance at a German international school and played a significant role in improving both the legal and financial position of the school. In order to immerse his wife and three daughters more into his German heritage, Matthias returned to his home country in 2017, and joined the International School of Düsseldorf in 2020. He draws on his administrative and financial expertise, both inside and outside the educational sector, to help ensure ISD’s long-term sustainability and financial stability.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER - Ms Marie Willis
Ms Marie Willis Human Resources Manager Marie has proudly served as the head of Human Resources at ISD since 2001. As a trailing spouse, she followed her husband’s career in the golfing world for what was initially a two-year adventure. She studied Business Administration in the UK and has enjoyed living and working for international companies in the UK, Italy and Germany. Throughout her career, she has been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and is passionate about providing employees with a positive working environment. Marie has been touched by many talented educators and leaders during her time as an employee and as a parent of children who attended ISD. She strongly believes in the importance of an IB education and the supportive offerings of the ISD community.

ISD Campus, Sculpture with bicycles.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The ISD Board of Trustees consists of seven elected members, along with up to three appointed members, and up to three ex-officio members. Elected members are current parents who are members of the school association. The current Board includes one appointed member and two ex-officio members (the school director and a representative from the US Consulate in Düsseldorf).

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER, US CONSULATE GENERAL - Mr Jaysen Lippoldt
Mr Jaysen Lippoldt Ex-officio Board Member, US Consulate General Jaysen and his family joined the ISD Community in 2024. Prior to completing his MA in Organisational Leadership from the Gonzaga University, Jaysen served in the United States Marine Corps for almost a decade. After the military, Jaysen has worked in various jobs and capacities in the US Government and is currently a civil servant with the US Department of State. Having worked the majority of his life in the public sector, Jaysen prioritises service to others.
APPOINTED BOARD MEMBER - Mr SIMON CHAUDHURI
Mr Simon Chaudhuri Appointed board member Simon attended ISD from Pre-K until graduation in 1996. He brings with him over 20 years’ experience in leading global functions across multiple industries, spending considerable time in New York and London. In his current role, he leads Digital and Transformation for a global elevator company based in Düsseldorf. Simon holds a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE) and an MSc in Management from LSE and the University of Chicago Booth Business School. He is married and father of two daughters. He is a passionate follower of Fortuna Düsseldorf and active within the city’s business and start-up community.
Mr ERWIN HENNENBERG
Mr Erwin Hennenberg German-born Erwin attended university in Siegen (Germany), Boston (USA), and Barcelona (Spain). He and his Irish wife moved to Düsseldorf in 2010 and they have one daughter at ISD. While trained as an electrical engineer, Erwin has been working in the finance industry for the past 20 years, and currently jointly runs a small Düsseldorf-based regulated financial investment firm with branches in London and Madrid. To the ISD Board of Trustees he brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of operations, compliance, and risk. Erwin joined the ISD Board of Trustees in May 2022.
BOARD CHAIR - Mr LARS HERREM
Mr Lars Herrem Board Chair Lars has been a member of the ISD community since 2014 and his three children have experienced ISD from Reception all the way through to grade 12. Before completing his BA in Business and MA in Marketing in the UK, he spent nearly three years as an elected MP in his native Norway, serving on both education and health committees. Today Lars is a co-owner of an international Executive Search & Recruitment Firm where he focuses on leading strategic client development and restructuring alongside leadership advisory. Lars joined the ISD Board of Trustees in May 2022 and currently serves as Chair.
Mr MICHAEL KOCH
Mr Michael Koch Michael is German and, together with his Belgian wife and their Swedish-born son, moved to the Düsseldorf area in 2019. Michael has over 30 years' executive experience, most recently in the lotteries industry, where he currently serves as Managing Director EMEA Strategic Accounts for a US-based company. He engages with very large, highly regulated customers from government relations, business development, sales, public tendering, implementation and operations. Michael has been a member of the ISD Board of Trustees since May 2021, focusing on ISD’s fundraising efforts.
Mr CONRAD MUMMERT
Mr Conrad Mummert Conrad returned to Germany in 2021 after ten years living and working abroad. He and his wife have three children, two of whom are in the Elementary School at ISD. With a Master's degree in Economics and Business Administration, the past 15 years have seen Conrad working as Managing Director at one of the world's largest energy companies in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the UAE. An active parent volunteer during his paternity leave, Conrad takes great joy in seeing his children prosper at ISD. Through his work on the Board of Trustees he wants to contribute to keeping ISD the great learning community it has become over many generations amidst ever new challenges and opportunities.
Mrs BERIT ZALBERTUS
Mrs Berit Zalbertus A native Düsseldorfer, Berit also lived for several years in the USA. Following a successful career in global textile trading, she recently returned to her media roots, joining a consulting company founded by her journalist husband. Berit was a founding member and the first chair of Elternschaft Düsseldorfer Schulen; during her term as chair she was in close dialogue with local politicians, the school administration office (Schulverwaltungsamt), and the district government (Bezirksregierung). She is currently engaged with the women’s union (Frauen Union) in the education and digitisation working groups, which has further expanded her political network. Berit has served on the ISD Board of Trustees since May 2019. Her daughter graduated in June 2023.
Ms MARA ZAVAGNO
Ms Mara Zavagno Originally from Italy, Mara and her family moved to Dusseldorf in 2014. She holds a Bachelor's degree in political Science, a Master’s degree in Business Coaching, and has undergone leadership training at Harvard Business School. In 2021 she gained certification in Board Governance. She is currently Vice President Business HR, Managing Director, and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for a world leading company in the machinery sector. Mara has more than 25 years' experience working in human resources for multinational companies, leading strategic HR projects in change management, talent management, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. She has also been a keynote speaker in several international forums. Mara has been on the Board of Trustees since May 2019. Her eldest child is a recent ISD graduate, and she has one child still at ISD.
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER, ISD DIRECTOR -Mr Frank Tschan
Mr Frank Tschan Ex-officio Board Member, ISD Director Frank has long been associated with ISD in a number of teaching, coaching and leadership roles. In December of 2019 he was chosen by the Board as ISD’s Acting Director, and was subsequently appointed Director six months later. Frank holds a Master of Science in Education from Cortland State University in New York. Frank describes himself as a “servant leader who aims to embody the spirit of the lifelong learner”. Former Board Chair Andreas Collor, commenting on Frank’s selection from a highly competitive field of candidates and noting his accomplishments in the role of Acting Director, sees Frank as “passionately committed to guiding ISD to a sustainable and exciting future, a trusted leader held in high regard by the ISD community”. Commenting further in the ISD community announcement, Frank “has demonstrated the skills and talent needed to navigate ISD through transition and beyond”.