Tuesday, May 12, 2026

German Heart Foundation appoints Friso Janßen as CEO

The German Heart Foundation (Deutsche Herzstiftung e.V.) has appointed Friso Janßen as its new chief executive, effective 4 May 2026. He succeeds Martin Vestweber, who is retiring after more than two decades leading the nationwide patient organisation. Vestweber was also closely involved with the German Foundation for Heart Research (Deutsche Stiftung für Herzforschung, DSHF), co-founded in 1988.

Leadership transition after more than two decades

During Vestweber’s tenure, the organisation expanded services aimed at supporting people living with cardiovascular disease and increased its research funding. For context, the foundation reports around 110,000 members, research funding volume of EUR 6.7 million and income of EUR 21 million in 2025, describing its financial position as stable.

Background of the new CEO

Janßen, 41, is a trained nurse and holds a degree in health and nursing management. His career includes leadership roles in elderly care as well as management and regional sales positions in healthcare companies. In his new role, he aims to further develop the organisation strategically and strengthen its public visibility.

Focus areas: prevention, patient-relevant topics and research

According to the foundation, Janßen intends to put greater emphasis on prevention and on topics that resonate with patients’ everyday lives. Planned activities for 2026 include a focus on physical activity and initiatives addressing atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is set to be highlighted during the nationwide “Heart Weeks” in November, and the foundation also plans a dedicated research funding programme of EUR 1 million for this topic.

As broader context, the foundation notes that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Germany, with around 340,000 deaths per year, and the most common reason for hospital admissions.

Communication, digital channels and partnerships

Janßen sees additional reach through digital communication, including the use of new technologies such as AI, with an emphasis on responsible application. The foundation also stresses the continued importance of combining print and digital formats alongside direct personal outreach.

Partnerships with medical societies and other stakeholders remain a core element of the foundation’s work, including collaborations linked to the German Heart Report and joint initiatives with organisations such as the Association of Office-based Cardiologists (BNK) and the Björn Steiger Foundation (HERZSICHER). Janßen will be supported in management by deputy CEO Benjamin Schmitt, who had led operations on an interim basis since the beginning of the year.

Note: This article is based on information provided by the German Heart Foundation.