Early Life
Karin Sartorius-Herbst was born into an entrepreneurial family in Germany, with a history deeply intertwined with Sartorius AG. Her great-grandfather, Florenz Sartorius, established a precision mechanics workshop in Göttingen in 1870. This workshop specialized in producing analytical balances and eventually evolved into a leading global life science company.
Rise to Success
After studying economics at the University of Göttingen, Karin Sartorius-Herbst joined the family business and worked closely with her father. Although she never held an official leadership position, she was significantly involved in various areas of the company, contributing to the development and expansion of Sartorius AG. Following her father's death in 1998, she inherited a share of the company.
Key Business Strategies
During her time in the company, Karin Sartorius-Herbst supported key strategic decisions, including the company's initial public offering in the 1990s. This move helped secure the company's growth and financial footing. She also played a role in the company's strategic focus on biotechnology, establishing Sartorius AG as a leading player in the field.
Philanthropy
Karin Sartorius-Herbst is actively involved in philanthropy and is the founder of the Sartorius-Herbst-Stiftung. The foundation supports various causes, including healthcare, animal and nature conservation, and cultural initiatives, primarily in the region of Southern Lower Saxony, where she is rooted.