Katherina Reiche: Returning as Minister of Economic Affairs with big plans!

Katherina Reiche: Returning as Minister of Economic Affairs with big plans!

On July 2, 2025 it will be official: Katherina Reiche (CDU) will return to politics from her ten-year break from advocacy work. She will take on responsibility as the new economics minister and is thereby sending clear signals about her political ambitions. Their return is also supported by Friedrich Merz, the new chairman of the CDU. Her role and connections to the energy industry are also discussed in the Germany-wide podcast “11 Kilometers – the Tagesschau podcast from the economy”, which underlines the relevance of her professional experience. Reiche brings this expertise with her from her most recent position as CEO of Westenergie AG, where she worked from 2020 to 2025.

Katherina Reiche was born on July 16, 1973 in Luckenwalde and has three children. After studying chemistry at the University of Potsdam, which she completed in 1997, she gained a wide range of experiences. From 1998 to 2015 she was a member of the German Bundestag, where, among other things, she held the office of Parliamentary State Secretary for the Environment and for Transport and Digital Infrastructure. In addition, she was deputy chairwoman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group from 2005 to 2009. These positions strengthen her profile and her connections in politics, which she now wants to use in her new plans to lead the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Women in leadership positions – an important aspect

A recent report shows that the proportion of women in management levels has increased since 2015, which is a positive signal for equality in society. Bundestag.de highlights that in 2023 over 55 percent of employees in the federal administration will be women, but they are not yet adequately represented in leadership positions. The proportion of women on boards has increased by 5.4 percentage points in recent years, but remains at a weak 11.3 percent. Katherina Reiche will also serve as a role model, especially since women are still underrepresented in politics.

Reiche's return could play a crucial role not only for her own political career, but also for the visibility and position of women in German politics and business. Through her appointment, the ministry has the opportunity to establish a breath of fresh air and new perspectives in economic policy - with a particular focus on sustainable developments and innovative solutions for the industry.

All in all, Katherina Reiche will usher in an exciting era in the Ministry of Economic Affairs with her breadth of experience and the planned initiatives. It remains to be seen how she performs in her new role and what impulses she will provide for the energy industry and beyond. Her return is an important event that many will follow closely.

For more information about Katherina Reiche's career and plans, visit bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de.