Menges started her professional career in human resources in 1990 at the German commercial bank, Bankgesellschaft Berlin.
In 1999, she joined the fast moving consumer goods firm Henkel, initially at Schwarzkopf in Hamburg, and later on, from 2005, at corporate headquarters in Düsseldorf.
In 2009, Menges was appointed corporate senior vice president and global head of human resources.
Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted, who was previously responsible for HR in the management board, said: "As with previous changes in our board, we have been able to develop the next generation of leaders from within the company.
"With her longstanding professional experience in human resources, Menges' skills and her leadership qualities, she will be a perfect fit for this challenging role."
