The Kienbaum Convention 2026, one of the leading HR management events in Germany, brought together around 280 HR leaders, executives and experts from different industries across three stages, 22 sessions and 30 speakers, creating a space for exchange on the future of People Management, leadership and transformation. The event took place at the historic Malteser Kommende in Ehreshoven near Cologne – the place where the Convention originally began 25 years ago.

Under the theme “Lead the Shift – People. Future. Value.”, the event explored how artificial intelligence, transformation, economic uncertainty and evolving leadership expectations are reshaping the role of HR.

Insights from international HR thought leader Dave Ulrich and Kienbaum partner Prof. Dr. Walter Jochmann framed the key questions around the future of People Management. Fabian Kienbaum, Managing Partner of Kienbaum, contributed throughout the day as host and conversation partner, bringing an entrepreneurial perspective to discussions on leadership, transformation and AI.

The key message was clear: HR can no longer simply describe the future – it must actively shape it. Organizations increasingly need People Management to enable transformation, build human capabilities and demonstrate its contribution to sustainable business success.

People: Human capability as a competitive advantage

The Convention reinforced that people are not separate from business performance – they are at its core. As technology transforms roles and processes, organizations must ensure employees have the skills, confidence and leadership support needed to adapt.

Dave Ulrich emphasized that HR’s impact should not only be measured through internal processes and programs, but through the value it creates for employees, customers, investors and the organization’s long-term success.

When administrative tasks are increasingly supported by AI, HR’s role is not simply to manage change, but to redefine roles, develop capabilities and enable leaders and employees to perform in new ways. Human capability becomes a key competitive advantage.

Future: AI is not just a technology challenge

AI was one of the central topics of the Convention. Speakers highlighted that its impact goes beyond automation: it is transforming jobs, skills, decision-making and leadership models.

While AI can reduce administrative workloads and support areas such as recruitment and learning, new value will only emerge if organizations redefine roles, develop new capabilities and create effective ways of working with technology.

The challenge for HR is therefore not only to adopt new tools, but to understand how work itself is changing and how organizations can prepare people for the future.

Value: HR’s contribution to business outcomes

The final theme focused on HR’s ability to demonstrate tangible impact. In a context of tighter budgets, productivity pressure and accelerated transformation, HR must move beyond initiatives and programs to address critical business questions:

  • Which capabilities will drive future success?
  • How will roles evolve?
  • Where are the organization’s skill gaps?
  • How can performance, succession and costs be managed while protecting future growth?

The value of HR lies not in doing more activities, but in making better decisions where people, organization and business come together.

The closing discussion with REWE CEO Lionel Souque and Fabian Kienbaum highlighted how AI can create value by enabling better decisions and more efficient processes, while preserving the human elements that remain essential: trust, advice and connection.

The shift is already happening

The Kienbaum Convention 2026 concluded with a powerful message: HR will not become less relevant because AI becomes more powerful – but HR must evolve to remain a strategic driver.

To truly Lead the Shift, People Management needs to combine strategic thinking, courage and a strong focus on building human capability, helping organizations navigate change and create sustainable value.

Kienbaum