Dr. Rainer Lenz

Judge
DISC Type : Dc

Chief Internal Auditor at SAF-HOLLAND Group

Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Area, Germany

Overview

Prof. Dr. Rainer Lenz is the Chief Internal Auditor at SAF-HOLLAND Group and an Honorary Professor at the University of Pretoria. A recognized thought leader with over 30 years of experience, he holds a PhD in Economics and is known for creating the influential "Gardener of Governance™" concept for internal auditors.

His passion lies in bridging academic theory with professional practice through his university roles and mentorship. He founded his private practice, AaA Audit and Advisory, to cultivate excellence in governance and empower audit leaders, turning his professional philosophy into a personal mission. People who have worked with him often call him a "thought leader", "humanistic", and "creative".

His influential "Gardener of Governance™" article has been translated into more than 25 languages, showing its significant global impact.

Personality Overview

Objective Thinker

Features Driven

Demanding

They are very proud of what they do.  They like to be in a position where they can control the conversation and terms. They respond well to strong and respectful communication.

Topics They Care About

Gardener of Governance™
His signature metaphor for modern internal auditing, which he has developed into a book, a global movement, and the foundation of his advisory practice.
Audit Leadership
As a Chief Internal Auditor with a Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL), he actively mentors the next generation of audit executives through his firm.
Humanistic Auditing
Peers describe his vision for auditing as "humanistic and creative, " transcending algorithms and checklists to focus on people, purpose, and performance.

Media Appearances

Dr. has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2018
Chief Internal Auditor at SAF-HOLLAND Group
12-2025
Honorary Professor at University of Pretoria
1-2022
University Lecturer at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
10-2025
Founder & CEO at AaA Audit and Advisory
2-2025
Member Board of Directors at The Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance

Education

2009 - 2013
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Louvain School of Management
2010 - 2010
Business Excellence Programme from Cranfield School of Management

More Information

Social Presence :

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Exp : N/A Location : Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Area, Germany Job Level : N/A Designation : Chief Internal Auditor at SAF-HOLLAND Group
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Insights For Selling To Dr. Rainer

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Get to the point quickly instead of spending time doing small talk
  • Be respectful but crisp
  • Hold your ground without indulging in one-upmanship

DONT's

  • Avoid being a storyteller and don’t try to oversell
  • Do not hesitate from asking counter questions, just avoid challenging their authority
  • Don't try too hard to forge relationships with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Dr. Rainer is

  • Confidence in impact is paramount to them, followed by a sense of achievement and ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Dr. Rainer

  • If they are not convinced, they will have no hesitation in telling you the same.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Dr. Rainer move?

  • They can take decisions very fast if you manage to convince them.
  • Can Dr. Rainer take some risk or not?

  • The risks don’t matter much to them.

You And Dr. Rainer

Personality Compatibility


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