Top managers recommend exciting summer reading for every taste!

Top managers recommend exciting summer reading for every taste!

Summer is just around the corner and the anticipation of relaxing hours with a good book is increasing. This year, top managers from Germany shared their reading recommendations for the summer months. These exciting book recommendations span a variety of genres and topics, ranging from personal stories to life lessons to historical insights.

Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Adidas, highlights the biography of Siya Kolisi, captain of the South African national rugby team. His life journey could be inspiring to many. Another highlight is the book by Bettina Orlopp, the CEO of Commerzbank, which describes in detail the experiences of Patrick Nothomb, a young ambassador to the Congo.

Diverse genres and interesting perspectives

Marcel de Groot, the CEO of Vodafone Germany, recommends a work by Yuval Noah Harari, which addresses humanity's pursuit of happiness and immortality. This fits with society's current issues and stimulates thought. Bonita Grupp, head of Trigema, proposes a novel set in the 1930s and centered around the life of a young Berliner in Paris.

Lionel Souque, CEO of Rewe Group, has the autobiography of Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, on his list. This story of entrepreneurship and innovation will also captivate readers interested in changing the sportswear industry. Oliver Dörre, head of Hensoldt, recommends an in-depth analysis of culinary myths in Italian cuisine.

Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer, brings a philosophy about the meaning of work into play with “Vocation” by Timothy Keller. In times of uncertainty, this is a particularly relevant topic. Jonas Andrulis, CEO of Aleph Alpha, recommends Masters of Doom by David Kushner, which highlights the pioneers of the video game industry.

Cultural and personal stories are also represented. Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda, recommends the moving story of Evelyn Hugo and her marriages. Additionally, Belén Garijo, CEO of Merck, highlights a book about Pope Francis written by an atheist author. Walter Kadnar, CEO of IKEA Germany, has chosen the “Falstaff Wine Guide” as his summer read, while Nikola Hagleitner, CEO of DHL Group, recommends the debut of DFB star Christoph Kramer about his youth.

Popular biographies for summer reading 2025

While the managers' recommendations already offer an exciting reading selection, City Magazine has put together some of the best biographies for summer reading in 2025. This list is based on renowned book media such as The New York Times and The Guardian and contains a variety of impressive personalities.

• Speichern – Prinz Harry (2023): Emotionale Memoiren über seine Kindheit und den Verlust seiner Mutter, Diana.
• Die Frau in mir – Britney Spears (2023): Autobiografie, die ihren Kampf um Freiheit thematisiert.
• Elon Musk – Walter Isaacson (2023): Enthüllt Aspekte von Musks Leben und Karriere.
• King: Ein Leben – Jonathan Eig (2023): Biografie über Martin Luther King Jr. mit neu entdeckten Dokumenten.
• Ehefrauendasein: Mrs. Orwells unsichtbares Leben – Anna Funder (2023): Lebensgeschichte von George Orwells erster Frau.
• Ich bin froh, dass meine Mutter gestorben ist – Jennette McCurdy (2022): Memoiren über das Aufwachsen als Kinderstar.
• All-In – Billie Jean King (2021): Autobiografie der Tennislegende.
• Der Codeknacker – Walter Isaacson (2021): Biografie über Pionierin der Gentechnik, Jennifer Doudna.
• Quellcode: Meine Anfänge – Bill Gates (2025): Memoiren über seine Kindheit und die Gründung von Microsoft.
• Mark Twain – Ron Chernow (2025): Behandelt das Leben und die Werke des Vaters der amerikanischen Literatur.

These biographies cover a wide range and offer both entertaining and in-depth insights into the lives of notable people. Readers are invited to choose from these diverse offerings for their summer reading.

So if you're still looking for the perfect summer book, you'll find exciting ideas for the sunny days in the recommendations of top German managers as well as in the list of the best biographies. As the managers embark on literary journeys, the biographies reveal impressive life stories and personal struggles that engage and inspire.

Bild.de and City Magazine offer a comprehensive selection of reading material that will provide captivating entertainment in the warm months ahead.