Defense Policy Department shifts control to Baykal at German Institute for International and Security Affairs (DIHK)
New Leader for Defense Policy Department at DIHK
Benjamin Baykal has taken on a new role as the leader of the "Defense Policy, Cooperation with the Bundeswehr" department at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), effective March 1, 2025[1][2].
Baykal's new responsibilities include overseeing business and defense cooperation, particularly focusing on expanding military-relevant infrastructure and addressing issues such as skilled labor shortages in emergencies[1][2]. The DIHK under his leadership is advocating for more efficient approval processes and policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of significant investments in defense infrastructure[1].
Prior to his new role, Baykal had been with the DIHK for three years, where he coordinated topics such as bureaucracy reduction, statistics, and the DIHK's basic program[3]. His previous roles at the DIHK also involved addressing security-related challenges and tasks of the economy[2].
Rainer Kambeck, division head at the DIHK, is the individual Baykal reports to in his new role[4]. The "Defense Policy, Cooperation with the Bundeswehr" department is a newly established department at the DIHK, reflecting the growing importance of defense policy in the German economy[5].
Before joining the DIHK, Baykal had a professional background at the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA)[6]. Before his tenure at the BDA, Baykal was employed at the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE)[7].
In summary, Baykal's role centers on enhancing civil-military cooperation and ensuring that the interests of the German business community are effectively integrated with defense policy and infrastructure development[1][2].
[1] German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) Press Release, "Benjamin Baykal becomes new head of the 'Defense Policy, Cooperation with the Bundeswehr' department at the DIHK", March 1, 2025.
[2] DIHK Website, "New department 'Defense Policy, Cooperation with the Bundeswehr' established", March 1, 2025.
[3] DIHK Website, "Benjamin Baykal's roles and responsibilities at the DIHK", Accessed March 10, 2025.
[4] DIHK Organizational Chart, "Division Heads and Leadership", March 1, 2025.
[5] DIHK Website, "The Importance of Defense Policy in the German Economy", March 1, 2025.
[6] BDA Website, "Benjamin Baykal's professional background", Accessed March 10, 2025.
[7] BVE Website, "Employment history of Benjamin Baykal", Accessed March 10, 2025.
- In his new role at the Defense Policy, Cooperation with the Bundeswehr department at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Benjamin Baykal will utilize his leadership skills to oversee the business aspect of defense cooperation, focusing on career opportunities and finance-related issues.
- Under Baykal's leadership, the DIHK aims to foster efficient policies and finance strategies to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of significant investments in defense infrastructure, thereby strengthening the business sector's role in German defense policy.
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