When the who's who of the German investment industry meets, the occasion must be of corresponding importance. This was also the case last week at Palais Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt am Main. Numerous companions, partners and competitors came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of DJE's founding.
"Dr. Ehrhardt understands the rhythm of the markets"
High-profile speakers paid tribute to the life's work of the man who has played a key role in shaping the world of asset management in Germany for 50 years: Dr. Jens Ehrhardt. Media entrepreneur Gabor Steingart attested to Dr. Ehrhardt's extraordinary feel for the capital markets in addition to his specialist knowledge: "Dr. Jens Ehrhardt feels and understands the rhythm of the markets," explained the founder and CEO of Media Pioneer.
Investment strategy as a success factor
BVI Managing Director Thomas Richter had a historical document in his luggage: the BVI Yearbook from 1975. The fund companies mentioned there had already ceased their business activities some time ago - with one exception: DJE Kapital. Richter attributed this to the quality of the long-term investment strategy in particular.
Pioneer of the fund industry
The other keynote speakers, such as the outgoing managing director of Deutsches Aktieninstitut, Dr. Christine Bortenlänger, and Universal Investment board member Katja Müller, also emphasized Dr. Ehrhardt's achievements in the area of investment culture and asset management in Germany in their speeches. There was absolute unanimity among all speakers that he had played a decisive role in shaping the fund industry as a pioneer from day 0.
Cooperation between the generations
In addition to many witty and appreciative acknowledgements, Wall Street expert Markus Koch moderated a very personal panel discussion with Dr. Jens Ehrhardt, Dr. Jan Ehrhardt and Supervisory Board member Jan-Christian Dreesen. The discussion focused on the one hand on the rich and exciting history of the company, but also on the plans for the future and the successful cooperation between two generations of entrepreneurs and fund managers. The great respect for each other's performance and work is essential for this. At the end of the discussion, moderator Markus Koch asked Supervisory Board member Dreesen how he assessed DJE's future prospects. "I am sure that the best is yet to come for DJE," replied the CEO of FC Bayern Munich.
Dr. Ehrhardt "I would repeat everything in exactly the same way"
Of course, host Dr. Ehrhardt also addressed his guests and was visibly moved by the great laudators. When asked whether he would possibly do anything differently from today's perspective, he said firmly: "I was very lucky that I was able to turn my passion into my profession. So I would do everything again in exactly the same way."