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Bucerius Member Interview: Peter Stockfisch

Peter Stockfisch first learned about Bucerius when his high school German language teacher ordered students to subscribe to DIE ZEIT. Little did Peter know at the time that he would spend most of his life in Hamburg connected with Bucerius. An economist for the American Heritage Management Corporation, Peter advises mainly German-speaking clients on global and U.S. economic and financial developments. Peter is a member of the American Friends of Bucerius network in the U.S. and frequently attends events and discussions held by Bucerius in the U.S.

What aspect of Bucerius is most important to you?
Bucerius stands for all the positive developments in Germany after WWII, including the building of a new democracy and a tolerant society, creating friendship with Israel and contributing to a positive image of Germany abroad.

What are the most valuable Bucerius programs for you?
All Bucerius programs enhance international business education and strengthen Germany’s relationship to the U.S. Specifically, the American Friends of Bucerius offers high-quality events with excellent speakers in New York City.

What is your connection to Hamburg?
Hamburg was my Alma Mata (Karl Schiller). Having worked there as an executive with Deutsche BP AG for more than 30 years, I feel it is like a second home. I regularly spend a few days in Hamburg, three to four times a year.

What should every American know about Bucerius?
Bucerius and his institutions have formed the new Germany and its post-war mindset.

What can Bucerius learn from the U.S.?
In the U.S., there is expansive space for academics, artists and business executives to contribute to the public discussions of key societal issues.

What’s your current state of mind?
Politically, the civilized world must take bolder steps to stop the bloodshed in Syria. Economically, the German DAX increased this year until mid-March by 21 percent, the NASDAQ by 17 percent and the DOW JONES by more than 8 percent. The economy is recovering, slowly but surely.

What’s your favorite German phrase?
“Was Du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe nicht auf morgen.” Translation: “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.”