The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to welcome Kurk Wilks, President and Chief Executive Officer of MANN+HUMMEL, as a featured speaker in our CEO Series on March 3rd, 2026.

As the global leader of a German-headquartered company with more than 21,000 employees across 80+ locations worldwide, Mr. Wilks offers a unique perspective on German–U.S. economic ties, transatlantic leadership, and managing complex global operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Since assuming the role of CEO in 2020, Mr. Wilks has overseen MANN+HUMMEL’s worldwide strategy alongside the company’s executive leadership team, guiding operations across North America, Europe, and global markets. With deep experience spanning more than two decades at MANN+HUMMEL, he has played a central role in strengthening the company’s North American footprint while advancing innovation, sustainability, and long-term corporate resilience.

In this conversation, Mr. Wilks will discuss:

• The evolving German–U.S. business relationship and its importance to global manufacturing and trade
• Leading a multinational organization across diverse regulatory, cultural, and economic environments
• The role of innovation, sustainability, and corporate strategy in maintaining global competitiveness
• How international companies navigate risk, supply chains, and long-term growth in a shifting global landscape

This WACC CEO Series program offers business leaders, policymakers, and globally minded professionals the opportunity to engage directly with one of the executives shaping transatlantic economic cooperation and global industrial strategy.

PROGRAM PARTNER:

 

 

 

COUNCIL SPONSOR (VIP RECEPTION)

 

 

 

 

 

 

• WACC CEO Series Sponsorship and Underwriting  – DOWNLOAD LINK

Program Information: 

Date:
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
Check-In and Pre-Lunch Networking: 
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch & Presentation: 
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location:
Hilton Charlotte Uptown (222 E. Third St., Charlotte, NC 28202)
Cost:
$55 (WACC Member Rate) | $70 (Non-Member Rate) | $45 (Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte — YPWACC) | $35 (WACC Student Member / WACC Educator Member)

• Please call 704-687-7762 to make a credit card payment over the phone.
• Checks can be mailed to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223.”