The Supervisory Board of Vonovia SE unanimously decided to appoint Katja Wunschel as the company's new Chief Development Officer, with her joining on April 1, 2026, and assuming her Executive Board position on June 1, 2026. She succeeds Daniel Riedl, who will depart by mutual agreement on May 31, 2026, following a two-month transition period. Clara C. Streit, Chair of the Supervisory Board, stated that Wunschel brings extensive experience in project management and large investment projects, which will be valuable for advancing new housing development and modular construction at Vonovia. Development has been a key growth component since 2018, and the board expressed confidence in Wunschel's ability to lead this area responsibly.
Katja Wunschel, currently Chief Executive Officer at RWE Renewables Europe & Australia GmbH, highlighted similarities between the energy and housing sectors, particularly in managing multiple projects with high standardization. She noted that these parallels provide an exciting foundation for her new role in modular construction. Wunschel has over two decades of experience in the energy sector, including previous roles as COO at RWE Renewables GmbH and various positions at E.ON, where she focused on renewable energy projects. Her background includes responsibility for wind farm planning, construction, and operation in Europe.
In a related move, the Supervisory Board renewed the contract of CHRO Ruth Werhahn ahead of schedule until September 30, 2029. Werhahn, who has overseen Human Resources, Vonovia Technical Service, IT, and Central Services since October 2023, was praised by Streit for making significant progress in developing the employer brand and corporate culture. Streit emphasized that HR plays a crucial strategic role amid demographic changes and skilled worker shortages. Werhahn expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her, noting that a modern corporate culture is essential for business growth, and highlighted that Vonovia attracted approximately 2,800 new employees this year, primarily in maintenance.
These leadership decisions underscore Vonovia's focus on strategic continuity in key areas. The appointment of Wunschel signals a commitment to advancing development projects, particularly in modular construction, which aligns with the company's growth strategy. Meanwhile, the early renewal of Werhahn's contract reflects the importance of human resources in navigating labor market challenges and sustaining operational success. Vonovia, as Europe's leading private residential real estate company with 533,000 units, continues to prioritize sustainability and innovation in housing. The company's workforce of approximately 12,500 employees supports its mission to provide quality living spaces, with these leadership changes aimed at strengthening its position in the market.
