GIZ Thailand is delighted to announce that Timo Menniken has started work as our new country director, effective July 2024, and will be leading our continuous mission to shape a future worth living.

Timo holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Freiburg, Germany, with a key focus on Asia. Prior to joining GIZ Thailand, Timo familiarised himself with the region while working in Laos for the Mekong River Commission from 2006 to 2010. During this time, he developed a deeper interest and expertise in natural resources, climate, and biodiversity.

With almost 20 years of experience with GIZ, Timo has worked in Belgrade, Serbia; Brussels, Belgium; and Germany, where he was appointed Director General. In 2020, he joined the Corporate Development Department in the same position to strengthen GIZ’s internal strategy and policy, before being appointed as Director General of Digital Transformation and IT Solutions in 2021.

Timo is known for his strategic and innovative vision, keen team management and strengthening collaboration in sustainable development, as well as his adaptability to the digital realm, which will be a great driving force for GIZ Thailand’s ongoing and upcoming endeavours to support Thailand in several areas, especially in green transformation.

“I am really thrilled to join GIZ Thailand and to work with all of you. This feels like a homecoming for me, both in terms of the place and the thematic area. My heart is beating strongly for green transformation, which is the major issue we are working on here. Thailand is ready to further embark on the process, and it is our role to shape it to ensure the best possible impact for the people. I am here, and GIZ is here, to support your visions, missions, and goals. Let’s get started together, let’s work together and let’s make every day count,” said Timo.

In addition to his role in Thailand, Timo is also regional director for Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

GIZ Thailand’s previous country director, Reinhold Elges, who served since 2020 and played a vital role in driving forward various successful initiatives, took up his new position as Director of the GIZ Brussels Representation in Belgium in April 2024.