Susann leads ADB’s knowledge management and innovation program and heads ADB’s knowledge advisory service center. The center supports cross-sector knowledge programs related to innovation ecosystem development in countries. Susann developed ADB’s first futures and foresight program and she has designed ADB’s first technology innovation challenge. Before this role, Susann managed several ADB trust funds, which piloted innovative health sector interventions for regional health security and pandemic preparedness . Susann launched the first ADB health bond, developed a digital health flagship program and championed health impact assessment across sectors. Susann also led the ADB-UNDP-ESCAP partnership during the preparation of the SDGs. She joined ADB in 2009 as Social Development Specialist in Central and West Asia, where she worked on social development issues across all sectors.
Susann, a German national, holds a Medical Doctor degree and a PhD in medical science from the University of Heidelberg in Germany, and a Master of Public Health and Policy from the University of the Philippines.She has worked in public and private sector before joining ADB, where she led transformation projects, and she served as Adjunct Professor at LKY School of Public Policy in Singapore from 2016-2018. She is trained in futures strategic thinking and foresight techniques, and in change and knowledge management.