Preuß to move to the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The recruitment process is under way

Bonn/Eschborn. On 1 July 2018, Managing Director Hans-Joachim Preuß will take up a new position as the country representative for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Cotonou, Benin. At a meeting on 13 April, the Supervisory Board gave the green light to release him from his contract early; his original leaving date was mid-2019. ‘We’re both happy and sad about our colleague’s new appointment,’ says Tanja Gönner, Chair of the Management Board of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. ‘On the one hand, we’re delighted for him that he will be taking up this exciting overseas role for one of Germany’s key political foundations. At the same time, his departure means that we’re losing a very valued and trusted colleague, who plays such an important part in shaping our corporate leadership and management.’

‘I’ve spent most of my working life at GIZ and very much value the company and all the staff,’ says Preuß. ‘My move to Africa with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung will ensure I remain connected with the topics and issues at the heart of international cooperation.’

Martin Jäger, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the new Chair of the GIZ Supervisory Board, praised Preuß’s achievements: ‘I would like to thank Hans-Joachim Preuß for his dedication and commitment to his work over the years and wish him all the best for his new job in Benin.’

Between 1986 and 1996, Preuß had various positions in the then Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH. After a spell working elsewhere, including as Secretary-General of Deutsche Welthungerhilfe, he returned to the company as Managing Director on 1 July 2009 and has been part of the GIZ Management Board since it was established in January 2011. One of his roles was that of Labour Relations Director. The search for his successor is under way.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. We support the German Government in the fields of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education. Through our work, we assist people and societies in shaping their own future and improving living conditions.