"I have had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with Gerd Datzmann for almost nine years, across a number of initiatives, most notably the six editions of the G-RADNEXT workshop, where Gerd chaired the Organising Committee while I had the honour of serving as General Chair. Gerd is an exceptional professional: remarkably competent, reliable and generous, with a rare ability to combine deep scientific understanding in particle physics with outstanding business and strategic insight. Working with him has always been both extraordinarily effective and genuinely enjoyable, he is one of those rare people whose professionalism, integrity and kindness make every collaboration a success."