With great sadness akg images announced the death of Kathrin Göpel on 18 December at the age of 62 following a long illness. Kathrin ran akg-images successfully from the company headquarters in Berlin, Germany, since taking over in 1996 following the sudden death of her husband Justus. Kathrin leaves behind three children, of whom the eldest, Friedrich Göpel, was appointed joint CEO of the company at the beginning of 2014. Everyone at akg-images will remember Kathrin’s kindness and warmth as well as the energy and imagination she brought to her role as CEO.’ akg-images. Thanks to her work, the picture researchers company has access to over ten million fine art and historical images, including a rich archive of stunning black and white photography, available to editorial and non-editorial clients. They specialise in history, fine art and photography, with well over ten million images, three million of which are online. Their collection continues to grow every day, with new acquisitions being sourced and added to the archive and website daily.
“In her own discreet way, Kathrin did a lot for CEPIC. Justus Göpel initiated the creation of CEPIC and after his death Kathrin became a great supporter, morally and financially. It is a shame that CEPIC has never created an honorary membership. She left us much too early. I will miss her a lot.”
Sylvie Fodor Executive Director CEPIC.