Franca Ruhwedel

Prof. Dr. Franca Ruhwedel is a Professor of Finance & Accounting at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kamp-Lintfort, Germany. She teaches courses in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Corporate Governance within the International Business Administration (Bachelor) and International Management and Psychology (Master) programs. Prior to joining Rhine-Waal in 2013, she served as a Professor of Accounting and Controlling at FOM University of Applied Sciences in Essen (2007–2013). Her practical experience includes leadership roles in thyssenkrupp Group's Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions department (2005–2007).

• Education: PhD in Business Administration from Ruhr-University Bochum (2003), with a dissertation titled Eigentümerstruktur und Unternehmenserfolg. Studied Business Administration at Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster (1994–1999).
• Research Interests: Focuses on Corporate Governance, Audit Quality, Pro-Forma Earnings, and Strategic Controlling, with a strong emphasis on regulatory frameworks (e.g., ESMA guidelines) and empirical analysis of financial practices.
• Publications Trends: Her work spans audit committee effectiveness, big data applications in finance, and the impact of regulatory changes on financial reporting. Key collaborations include studies with the German Stock Institute and analyses of DAX/MDAX companies.
• Scientific Awards:
  • Ernst-Zander-Preis (Ruhr-University Bochum, 2004)
  • DAI-Hochschulpreis (Frankfurt/M., 2004)
• Advising and Professional Roles: Supervises over 30 theses on topics like Behavioral Finance and Green Hydrogen Production. Holds supervisory board positions at United Internet AG, VTG AG, and Biofrontera AG (chair of audit committees).