The WZB has two directors who each hold office for six years.

The President, Prof. Dr. h.c. Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln, Ph.D., develops central features of research policy and the thematic orientation of scientific units. The Managing Director, Ursula Noack, is responsible for business, legal and administrative issues.

Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln has been President of the WZB since September 2024. Ursula Noack has directed the administrative affairs since January 2017.

The executive management works in close consultation with the directors of the research departments.

Former WZB presidents