From Politics to Business and Back Again: Katherina Reiche's Journey as Germany's New Economic Minister
- ≈ 1 Min Read
Cabinet Movements: Katharina Reiche Transfers from Management to Cabinet - Management to cabinet shift - Katherina Reiche moves to higher office position
The selection of Katherina Reiche as the new Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in the forthcoming Merz-led government is nothing short of intriguing. With roots in Brandenburg, this experienced powerhouse is no stranger to the political scene in Berlin, having served as a CDU member in the Bundestag from 1998 until 2015.
Initially starting her political journey as a research politician, Reiche demonstrated her versatility by later taking on roles as Parliamentary State Secretary, first in the Environment Ministry and then in the Transport Ministry. Her 2015 departure to become the CEO of the Association of Municipal Enterprises sparked a discussion in political circles about the necessity of transition periods for parliamentarians moving into the private sector.
A Chemist Turned Politician, a Business Executive, and Now a Minister
A successful graduate in chemistry, mother of three, and leader of the National Hydrogen Council of the federal government since June 2020, the new Minister is no stranger to tackling significant challenges. Her transition to the private sector was marked by her appointment as the CEO of Westenergie, an E.ON subsidiary, in 2020.
Reiche's appointment by the CDU is a strategic move aimed at addressing criticism from the business sector about the black-red government while also responding to demands from women within the CDU and eastern German state associations for significant roles.
- Katherina Reiche
- CDU
- Germany's Economic Ministry
Notable Achievements:
In her career spanning both politics and the energy sector, Reiche has:
- Led the political wing of her CDU/CSU parliamentary group for four years[1].
- Served as Parliamentary State Secretary in both the environment ministry (2009–2013) and transport ministry (2013–2015)[1][3].
- Advocated for nuclear energy, arguing that it was "hard to replace" during her legislative work[1].
- Succeeded as CEO of Westenergie (an E.ON subsidiary) in 2020, managing regional energy infrastructure[3][5].
- Chaired Germany’s National Hydrogen Council since 2020, advising on hydrogen strategy development[2][5].
Interesting Facts:
- Reiche has been appointed to the supervisory board of Ingrid Capacity, a Swedish energy company[4].
- Her nomination as Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action marks a decade-long transition from politics to industry and back again[1][3][5].
Read More:
- Katherina Reiche
- CDU
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding Katherina Reiche's appointment as Germany's new Economic Minister.
- Despite her ministerial role, Katherina Reiche's roots in Brandenburg and her CDU political background are still significant, given her past roles in the Transport Ministry and Environment Ministry.
- Reiche's nomination for the Economic Ministry position was a strategic move on the part of the CDU, aiming to address criticism from the business sector and appease women within the party and eastern German state associations.
- Katherina Reiche's extensive experience in politics and the energy sector, including her role as the CEO of Westenergie and Chair of Germany’s National Hydrogen Council, uniquely positions her to tackle issues in policy-and-legislation related to the transportation and general-news sectors.
