Portrait of an alum: Xiaoqun Clever-Steg

Xiaoqun Clever studied Computer Science and International Marketing at KIT, Computer Science at Tsinghua University (Beijing) and completed an Executive MBA at the University of West Florida as well as the Global Leadership Development Program at INSEAD. She has held senior positions at companies such as SAP, ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE and Ringier AG, giving her over 20 years of leadership experience in software development, data & AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Ms. Clever is currently a member of several international supervisory boards, including BHP Group Limited, Amadeus IT Group SA, the Straumann Group and Infineon Technologies AG.

What valuable experiences and insights from your studies still shape you today?

My studies at KIT were an exciting time that had a significant influence on my professional and personal development. The encounters with outstanding professors were particularly inspiring:

• Prof. Thomas Beth did not accept easy answers and shaped cryptography as well as system security. He recognized the potential of quantum computing early on and played a decisive role in driving its development in Germany.
• Prof. Dr. Gerhard Krüger, recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, spoke visionarily in his lectures of a portable telephone that would enable not only telephony but also Internet access - long before the term "smartphone" existed.
• Prof. Dr. Peter Christian Lockemann, who was also awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, was a pioneer of business informatics and promoted the close integration of computer science and business administration.

In addition, my work as a research assistant enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, deepen teamwork and gain valuable insights into research. The combination of academic excellence, visionary technologies and hands-on experience has cemented my passion for digitalization and innovation.

What added value do you gain from being a member of the alumni network?

For me, the desire to give something back is at the heart of my motivation to be part of the alumni network.

What is your vision for KIT?

I would like the university to become a German hybrid of MIT and Stanford University - known not only for its academic excellence and innovative strength, but above all for its close ties to business. It should promote entrepreneurship and provide an interdisciplinary education for future leaders - not only for business, but also for politics and society. In this way, it would make a significant contribution to the progress of our society.