Christian studied business administration and economics at Goethe-University Frankfurt where he also obtained his doctorate. He spent his professional banking career of nearly four decades with Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, UniCredit and Sumitomo, thereof 25 years in South Africa in various management and country head positions. He served on various boards incl. non-profit organisations in South Africa. He’s passionate about the environment and conservation and involved in local community work to rescue stranded animals.