Portrait of Desirée Ackermann, presenter and actress based in Cologne
Cologne · Europe-wide · DE / EN

DesiréeAckermann

Presenter & Actress

Prepared for the plan. Ready for the moment.

Photo: Nils Schwarz
  • Sat.1
  • ZDF
  • RTL
  • L'Oréal
  • Telekom
  • GALERIA
  • Škoda
  • Toyota
  • DERTOUR
  • BrandEx Award
  • Best Of Events
  • Garnier
  • EVVC
  • Film- und Medienstiftung NRW
  • DKV
Desirée Ackermann off-duty, laughing against a pink backdrop
About me

The world's fastest way to get to know someone

Hey, I'm Desirée, a true Rhinelander. I grew up in one of Germany's most beautiful wine regions and now live in Cologne, the city that stole my heart. I love talking to people, whether in German, English, or dialect. New York is probably the most impressive city I've ever lived in. I honestly think improvisation should be taught in schools! My family also includes my twin sister, whom I love more than anything, and we even step in front of the camera together every now and then. I feel completely at home both in front of the camera and on stage, and my training has taught me exactly which nuances matter. To me, acting is at its most authentic when you dare to live fully in the moment. And as a host, I believe the most important thing is to be a great one.

Now I can't wait to get to know you.

Hosting

I'm glad to be the connective thread of the event.

The moment I step on stage, the audience sees me as part of the event. I represent my clients, and I take that responsibility seriously. Charming, funny, energetic and empathetic: that mix is what earned me the Newcomer Presenter of the Year award in 2021.

Desirée Ackermann hosts Arbeitgeberherzblatt at Best Of Events
Arbeitgeberherzblatt · Best Of Events
Desirée Ackermann in an orange suit on the catwalk in front of a full hall
GALERIA · Management conference
Desirée Ackermann in conversation on stage at the BrandEx Night
BrandEx Night 2024
Acting

Most authentic when you dare to live the moment.

As a trained actress I work both on stage and in front of the camera, with my particular focus on camera work. My development took me to the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, where I fell in love with the Meisner technique: the focus on your scene partner, played moment to moment. Whether in film, television or theatre, I prepare intensively for every character so that I can then act freely and in the moment.

Desirée Ackermann in a period look for historical roles
Period look
Emotional close-up portrait of Desirée Ackermann
Close-up
Desirée Ackermann performing a high kick, martial arts as a performance skill
Skill · Martial arts
Desirée Ackermann in a dark portrait, looking over her shoulder
Portrait
Training
Trained as an actress in Cologne, London and New York.
Languages
German, English, various dialects. Improvisation in both languages.
Skills
Kickboxing, boxing, ballroom dancing, piano, improv & comedy.
What does being strong at improv mean?

With improvisation, you're prepared for the unprepared.

Preparation is everything to me. When everything goes according to plan, that's wonderful. But we all know: events rarely go exactly according to plan.

On stage
A speaker runs late, or tickets suddenly need to be raffled off. I set my cue cards aside and adjust the plan. To me, improvisation doesn't mean being unprepared, quite the opposite. It's the ability to handle situations with confidence when they unfold differently than planned.
In the show
A few suggestions from the audience, a shared starting point: something new emerges in the moment. Improvisation means listening, reacting, accepting offers, and spinning them into scenes, stories and solutions on the spot.
In the workshop
In my workshops I use improvisation as a tool: for more presence, quick wit and a confident way of handling unplanned situations.
3 sec.

According to studies, that's how short the window is for a response to come across as present, confident and genuine. That's exactly the window I train in workshops, with people who need to hold their own in meetings, pitches and on stage.

Showreels

Short glimpses, ready to watch

Thumbnail for the video About me by Desirée Ackermann

About me · a short introduction

Thumbnail for the hosting showreel by Desirée Ackermann

Showreel · Hosting

Thumbnail for the acting showreel by Desirée Ackermann

Showreel · Acting 2026

Thumbnail for the improv showreel by Desirée Ackermann

Showreel · Improv

Press & awards

More to read

Inquiry

Let's get to know each other.

We're very much looking forward to your inquiry. Below you'll find the contact details of my agency, made up of three wonderful agents. Alternatively, feel free to send a request through the contact form.

Booking through

Mulholland Talent Management

Christian Concilio · Evi Meinardus · Fabian Männel
Phone: +49 176 9526 9691
Email: hallo@mulholland-talent-management.com

Mail for me?

Sometimes it's the personal words on paper that mean the most. If you'd like to write to me or send me something by post, this is where it'll reach me:

Desirée Ackermann
Postfach 100707
50447 Köln, Germany

Professional mail such as hosting scripts, cards or other post is welcome at my P.O. box too. Everything arrives reliably from there.

If you'd like a reply or an autograph, please include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

Important: please pack items flat so they fit in my P.O. box, ideally as a large letter in an A4 envelope, or between two pieces of cardboard for anything fragile.

I'm looking forward to your mail!

Desirée Ackermann laughing

We usually reply to inquiries within 24 hours. The details don't need to be complete yet, we'll just talk it through! An informal get-to-know call is always possible too, by the way.