Why Cologne?
Quite simply, it’s all about quality of life.
Cologne is an exceptional and special city and, in my opinion, the perfect place to live and to be.
Having lived for extended periods of my life in London, Riyadh, Hong Kong, Basel and Bonn and travelled all over the world besides, I arrived in Cologne in 2003 and it immediately felt like – and became – home.
Situated beside the river Rhine, that great and ancient European trade artery, Cologne is positioned at the heart of the vibrant North Rhine Westphalia region. More than 17 million people live within 100kms from the city centre.
The city is the ideal size, easy to get around and laid out along the circular lines of its Roman origins. Each of its districts enjoy their own particular character, with colourful and curious local cultures of their own.
Like many former industrial cities, transformations have been and are taking place. The City of Cologne and private investors actively support regeneration and development, helping ensure it is a base from which existing businesses can operate well and thrive and also where new business can be founded, nurtured and succeed.
Cologne is dynamic.
Since forever, trade, enterprise and innovation are at the heart of this region and remain so.
The city has a real spirit, the people are full of personality, a place where living is taken seriously – a continuous enjoyment of life, with its many festivals and simple pleasures throughout the year. It is down to earth, playful and accessible. As well as a proud and passionate sports scene, it has an eclectic, sophisticated and highly evolved love and appreciation of culture and art, from museums to galleries to performances and exhibitions – there is always something stimulating and challenging to experience.
These attributes give just a small indication of my significant pride of living here and being a part of this place and forms the basis of my own considerable personal motivation to actively contribute to the further evolution and success of our great city of Cologne and its environs.