About
Christian Koenig
Managing Principal
Global Communications Strategist with Flair for Authentic Storytelling
Christian is an international communications strategist who has counseled the C-suite around the world on how to captivate audiences with authentic messaging and compelling storytelling.
International Corporate and Media Expertise
A savvy media strategist, Christian has been preparing executives around the globe for more than 20 years, managing more than 1,600 interviews, including those with Bloomberg, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, ARD German Television, AFP, Chinese Xinhua news agency and Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun.
Christian has worked for iconic global brands such as Porsche and Shell. As Vice President for Public Relations at Porsche Cars North America, Christian directed coast-to-coast media activities for the market introduction of the Taycan, Porsche’s first all-electric sports car, and steered product communications for the iconic 911 models. Seeing the potential to present the brand to younger audiences, he oversaw efforts to assure organic integration of the famous sports cars in major Hollywood film and television productions.
Before founding KOENIG Communications in 2013, Christian served as Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs for ThyssenKrupp, a global materials and technology group. In that role, he directed media and government relations, internal and crisis communications for the group’s 60 companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Prior to that appointment, he was Chief Communications Officer for the company’s 30 U.S. subsidiaries and established the company’s Washington office. He served as communications lead during site selection for a $5 billion, 3,700-acre manufacturing facility which was at the time the largest foreign direct investment in the U.S.
Government, Policy-Making Background
Christian’s expertise and counsel on international investment, job creation and workforce training programs is sought by administrations, members of Congress and heads of diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C.
In 2022, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce appointed him to serve on the United States Investment Advisory Council—a group of business experts who advise the Secretary on strategies and programs to attract and retain foreign direct investment in the United States.
Christian began his corporate career at Shell Germany where he co-developed the company’s issues management system. Earlier, he worked as chief of staff for a member of the German Parliament and as research analyst for BusinessWeek.
Prior to attending college, Christian served in Germany’s First Airborne Division as a deputy platoon leader. He holds a master’s degree in political science, history, and constitutional law from the University of Bonn/Germany.
He is a citizen of the United States and Germany.
