After studying graphic design at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Genkel completed an internship at an animation company, where he was first introduced to the medium of film. Starting in 1993, he worked there as a layout artist and background designer on films such as Der kleene Punker and Werner – Das muß kesseln!!!. Later, he also brought his own ideas to life for the animated series Nick und Perry and Karlsson vom Dach.
With the feature film Kommando Störtebeker, Genkel took on the role of co-director for the first time, followed by his directorial debut in the television series Hotze. Other films in which he served as co-director included Werner – Gekotzt wird später!, as well as, together with Michael Schaack, the films Dieter – Der Film and Das doppelte Lottchen. In 2017, the film Überflieger – Kleine Vögel, großes Geklapper premiered, and in 2023, the film Maurice der Kater. Genkel directed both films.
