aestimamus –
We appreciate!
The future belongs to those who shape it.
Leadership and governance have always played a critical role in the success of organizations. We therefore understand Executive Diagnostics as both a strategic instrument and an investment decision in responsible corporate leadership.
The reliable assessment of management and leadership capabilities, combined with scientifically sound predictions of future behavior, lies at the core of our work. Giving equal consideration to relevant contextual factors and individual characteristics forms the basis of the value we create for our clients.
As a consulting boutique specialized in Executive Diagnostics, we integrate appreciation, professionalism, and innovation to build long-term partnerships with our clients—complemented by a clear sense of responsibility toward society, the environment, and our own team.
About us
We stand for Executive Diagnostics at the highest level. As a specialized consulting boutique, we provide robust decision-making foundations to strengthen the leadership capability—and thus the future viability—of your organization. Our long-standing relationships to our clients reflect a partnership-based, trust-driven collaboration in our role as an external sparring partner to your key decision-makers. This is the standard by which we measure ourselves!
Exclusivity by focus
Our specialization in Executive Diagnostics ensures independent, well-founded decision-making at senior executive level—combining analytical depth with relevant benchmarking experience, and free from conflicts of interest related to search or development mandates.
Partnerships at eye-level
We operate according to the principle of one face to the customer. Our clients benefit from personal continuity in the collaboration, high service quality, and maximum flexibility inherent to a boutique consulting agency. In doing so, we strongly identify with the needs and priorities of our clients.
Responsibility by sustainable impact
We understand our work as a contribution to sustainable leadership and organizational success. We combine short-term delivery capability with innovative approaches and a clear focus on long-term value creation for our customers.
Our milestones
The future is rooted in where we come from. An awareness of our origins fosters both humility and confidence in shaping the future proactively and responsibly as a team. What follows is a brief outline of our organizational journey.
Ready for future growth
2025
Internal succession: Niclas Erdmann and Dr. Judith Hankes assume managing responsibility for aestimamus
Relocation of the company’s headquarters to Bonn, with Düsseldorf retained as a branch office
Entrepreneurial growth and organizational transformation
2026
Expansion of the consulting and assistant team as a commitment to continued organizational growth
Transformation of the organization
2020
Ensuring high delivery capability and digital service quality during the COVID-19 crisis
2022
Strategic realignment with a focus on the long-term development of the organization
2023
Transformation of the company into a GmbH & Co. KGaA to enable stronger employee participation
Establishing in the market
2015
Growing establishment as a highly sought-after provider of management diagnostics in the German-speaking market
2017
Niclas Erdmann joins the firm, strengthening internal organizational development
2018
Dr. Judith Hankes becomes a partner
Gründung und Aufbau
2012
aestimamus is founded by Christoph Aldering with the aim of offering focused and exclusively management diagnostics services, drawing on many years of responsibility in a competitive environment
2013
Launch with a small team and the gradual development of the organization
2014
Dr. Judith Hankes joins as a partner, strengthening the firm’s scientific foundation
Consulting guided by integrity and responsibility.
Respect, diversity, and responsibility are reflected in our consulting approach as guiding principles for action. Accordingly, since its founding, we have been committed as an organization to advancing social and environmental sustainability. Each year, we allocate 2% of our operating result to organizations dedicated to strengthening social cohesion and protecting the natural environment.
In 2025, our team selected the following donation recipients:
Gegen Vergessen – für Demokratie e. V.
Médecins Sans Frontières
Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) – sponsorship programs
In addition, since 2022 we have maintained a climate protection partnership with PLANT-MY-TREE. For each on-site assessment conducted, we plant one tree in the regional surroundings of our office locations to offset unavoidable emissions.
We as humans. We as a team.
Our team combines experience, consulting expertise, and professional composure with a strong passion for Executive Diagnostics. What distinguishes and unites us is our diversity. Together, we live our Culture Code in both internal and external collaboration—defined by ambition, customer focus, appreciation, teamwork, and confidence.
Scientific Advisor
Prof. Dr. Martin Kersting advises aestimamus on conceptual and procedural aspects of management diagnostics. His primary contribution lies in building a bridge between science and practice—through tailored training formats for aestimamus consultants and by explicitly fostering critical reflection within ongoing projects. In his role as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board, he works on a project-specific basis and independently defines the focus of his advisory activities.
Prof. Dr. Martin Kersting
Scientific Advisor
In addition, we are pleased that Martin Kersting also serves as a member of our Supervisory Board.
The Supervisory Board further comprises Dr. Philipp Hölzle (Chair of the Supervisory Board) and Anika Stevens (Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board).