Thorsten Hofmann studied psychology, criminology, and economics. He worked for the German Federal Police for many years, where he was trained in various negotiation concepts and strategies. He is presently a negotiator in extortion and hostage cases for an international insurance firm. He is the director of the Centre for Negotiation at the Quadriga Technical College in Berlin, conducts seminars and trainings on strategic negotiation management, and advises organisations on complex negotiation processes.