Event Details

March 3rd, 2026: WACC CEO Series with Kurk Wilks, President and Chief Executive Officer of MANN+HUMMEL

Check-In and Pre-Lunch Networking: 11:30am - 12:00pm

• Location: Hilton Charlotte Uptown * Parking is not validated
• Registration and admission required
• Lunch is included 
• Professional dress required

As the global leader of a German-headquartered company with more than 21,000 employees across 80+ locations worldwide, Mr. Wilks offers a unique perspective on German–U.S. economic ties, transatlantic leadership, and managing complex global operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Since assuming the role of CEO in 2020, Mr. Wilks has overseen MANN+HUMMEL’s worldwide strategy alongside the company’s executive leadership team, guiding operations across North America, Europe, and global markets. With deep experience spanning more than two decades at MANN+HUMMEL, he has played a central role in strengthening the company’s North American footprint while advancing innovation, sustainability, and long-term corporate resilience.

In this conversation, Mr. Wilks will discuss:

• The evolving German–U.S. business relationship and its importance to global manufacturing and trade
• Leading a multinational organization across diverse regulatory, cultural, and economic environments
• The role of innovation, sustainability, and corporate strategy in maintaining global competitiveness
• How international companies navigate risk, supply chains, and long-term growth in a shifting global landscape

This WACC CEO Series program offers business leaders, policymakers, and globally minded professionals the opportunity to engage directly with one of the executives shaping transatlantic economic cooperation and global industrial strategy.

To register and for a chance to get selected fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/CfEGCZJTcs

This event is sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement