Members

Anne-Laure Brault
Leadership Advisor

I worked all my career for big industrial operations in France and Germany, for whom I led Worldwide business as Managing Director. I specialize in turnaround, optimization, and strategic growth. Recently, I decided to change my career to become a leadership advisor for different kinds of businesses to help executives reach their company’s full potential through a human-centric approach.

Anne-Laure Brault
Andreas Truckenbrodt
Clean Energy Consultant

I arrived in Vancouver in 2008 intending to stay for only three years. However, I have since become a Canadian citizen and have decided to make Canada my permanent home. I transitioned from the automotive industry to becoming a consultant specializing in clean energy.

Elke Babicki
M.Ed., R.C.C.

Elke Babicki, M.Ed., R.C.C., has been a consultant to corporations and a clinical counselor in private practice for over 25 years. For Elke Babicki, her family’s history has been more than a peripheral influence ­– it has been the determining factor shaping her life’s trajectory from growing up in a small Bavarian town to becoming a prominent therapist on the Canadian West Coast. Elke Babicki is also an author and motivationals speaker. 

Read more here.

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Edmundo P. Guevara
Partner at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP

Edmundo Guevara is a Partner in the Insurance, Construction and Infrastructure, and Commercial Litigation Practice Groups at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. His litigation practice focuses on insurance defence, construction disputes, commercial and business disputes, and personal injury. Edmundo has a diverse legal background having practiced extensively in the Philippines before immigrating to Canada, particularly in the areas of tax, commercial and business law.

Edmundo P. GuevaraSingleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLPSingleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Hartmut Friedrichs
CEO

Welcome to ADEPT24 Business Solutions, your trusted partner for navigating the Canadian market. With our expertise in assisting German companies, we offer specialized services in market entry, business setup, HR, product visibility, retail network expansion, and development, tailored to the unique needs of the Canadian gift industry. Let us help you maximize your opportunities and achieve success in Canada.

ADEPT24 Business Solutions Inc.
Heiko Riese
UBS Bank (Canada)

UBS Wealth Management offers a comprehensive range of investment products and services individually tailored for private clients. UBS is headquartered in Switzerland and has been present in Canada since 1951, with a platform that is unlike any other in Canada.

LinkedIn Account
Jens Schuster
Founder & Proud Globalista

Dedicated creator of cross cultural networks and partnerships. Always Bready to roll. I want to help baking the world a breader & healthier place. No sugar added. Vancouver is my home, though the world is my oyster. I am an experienced passionate entrepreneur & leader with a long-standing track record in the travel & hospitality industry. Extensive proof of success in global Business Transformation & Business Development. I graduated in International Business Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

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Kai Knutson
Investment Advisor at RBC

I  work with Business Owners to help them manage their Corporate and Personal Wealth. I leverage the knowledge, expertise, and experience of our Wealth Management team to implement synergistic financial strategies that are integrated in every aspect of my client’s written plan. Prior to joining RBC Dominion Securities, I was a partner in a Financial Tech company.

RBC
Katja Jobs
MJ Installations
mj.installations provides clients with a wide range of home renovations and services, including custom cabinetry, kitchen cabinets, custom millwork and designer closet systems. Other types of services also include wainscoting designs, decorative accent pieces, and panelling, as well as kitchen and bathroom renovations.
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Malte Kluetz
CEO & Founder

As the founder of the Vancouver Christmas Market, Malte has played a pivotal role in shaping one of the city's most beloved holiday traditions. With a focus on community engagement and cultural celebration, Malte has successfully curated a market that brings joy to visitors of all ages.

Vancouver Christmas Market
Marianne Werner
Tour Director/Western Canada

Meet Marianne Werner, a seasoned tour director specializing in Western Canada and a knowledgeable city guide for Vancouver. Born and educated in Germany, Marianne now resides in Canada, where she shares her passion for stunning landscapes and vibrant culture with tour groups, many of whom hail from her homeland.

Monika Sievers-Redekop

Monika Sievers-Redekop LL. M. has been admitted to the Hamburg Bar since 1989 and to the Bar in British Columbia since 2000. Monika received her comprehensive and international work experience practicing with law firms in Tokyo, Brussels, Hamburg, Vancouver, the European Union in Brussels, and the Foreign Service at the United Nations in Geneva. Monika also served as the Manager for Western Canada for the Canadian-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Vancouver, B.C. Her sole focus of practice since 2000 has been Canadian citizenship and immigration law and she advises clients worldwide.

Board members 2024

Andrea Basche
President for the German Canadian Business Association

Andrea Basche’s career started 40 years ago in Germany’s real estate industry. It led to her role as CEO of multiple family-owned development companies. Embracing her entrepreneurial spirit, she followed her passion for healthcare and founded a new company. She successfully dedicated 20 years of work to the healthcare sector while maintaining her role as CEO of her family companies.

BB Coaching
Ekkehard Goetting
Vice President for the German Canadian Business Association

Returned to Canada following 26 years in Hong Kong.

Having worked for AHK in Western Canada in the 1980's, I find it very important to reconnect with the German Community. Ekkehard's company is the APXG Asia Pacific Xpert Group

LinkedIn Account
Manuel Ruthardt
Treasurer

Young professional working in the Fintech Industry and enjoying the Canadian life since 2016.

LinkedIn
Claudia Liebrecht
Membership Director

Multi-lingual, results-driven tourism professional with over 20 years of active involvement in the tourism industry both on a national and international level. A collaborative relationship builder equipped with an entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for Canada as leading tourism destination.

Claudia Liebrecht
Kirsten Friedrichs
Administration/Marketing

Kirsten Friedrichs is the co-owner of ADEPT24 Business Solutions (www.adept24.com) alongside her husband. With a strong background in digital marketing, Kirsten plays a pivotal role in enhancing brand visibility and engagement for their clients. Additionally, she oversees finances, HR, and business development, ensuring the smooth operation and growth of their business. Kirsten is prepared to utilize her broad experience in digital marketing and business founding to support the Board in leading the GCBA into a new era.

Kirsten Friedrichs
Anne-Laure Brault
Events (Chairman of the Program Committee)

I worked all my career for big industrial operations in France and Germany, for whom I led Worldwide business as Managing Director. I specialize in turnaround, optimization, and strategic growth. Recently, I decided to change my career to become a leadership advisor for different kinds of businesses to help executives reach their company’s full potential through a human-centric approach.

Anne-Laure Brault
Kai Knutson
Student membership/Program Committee

I  work with Business Owners to help them manage their Corporate and Personal Wealth. I leverage the knowledge, expertise, and experience of our Wealth Management team to implement synergistic financial strategies that are integrated in every aspect of my client’s written plan. Before joining RBC Dominion Securities, I was a partner in a Financial Tech company.

Website

Honorary member

Beatrice Schreiber
PAST President (Honorary Member)

Beatrice Schreiber, a Lifetime Honorary Member, was a fashion designer by profession, founded ' Bel Art Kunstverlag' together with husband Stefan, in 1990 in Wiesbaden, Germany . The couple immigrated  to Canada in 1995. 'Bel Art Gallery' successfully made the transition to North Vancouver, BC and Beatrice and her husband Stefan set up various exhibitions and many openings with local and International artists. The gallery offers artist management and fine art consulting.

"After three decades of commitment to the GCBA and serving for 12 years as the first female president, I have chosen to step down. Thanks to the countless hours of volunteering from the Board especially from our Secretary, Elke Porter, we organized a memorable 60th Anniversary celebration for the prestigious GCBA in December 2023. It's time to pass the torch to a new generation.

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