Vonovia SE announced today that its Supervisory Board has unanimously voted to appoint Katja Wünschel as the company’s new Chief Development Officer (CDO). The appointment is effective from June 1, 2026.

Ms. Wünschel, who joins from the energy sector, will become a member of the Executive Board on June 1, 2026, following a two-month induction period. She will officially join Vonovia on April 1, 2026. Ms. Wünschel succeeds Daniel Riedl, who is departing the Vonovia Board by mutual agreement on May 31, 2026.

Clara C. Streit, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Vonovia, praised the appointment. “The appointment of Katja Wünschel,” she said, “means we have gained a highly experienced business leader for our development business. She has many years of experience in project management and in implementing large investment projects. Her extensive knowledge in planning and implementing construction and development projects will be immensely valuable for the further development of new housing and, in particular, modular construction at Vonovia. Development has been a key component of the company’s growth since 2018. As the Supervisory Board, we are delighted that our new construction business will continue to be in responsible hands. Speaking on behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to wish Katja Wünschel every success and all the best. Also, on behalf of the Supervisory Board, I want to express my sincere thanks to Daniel Riedl for using his expertise and experience in supporting her as she takes on her new role.”

Ms. Wünschel comes from RWE Renewables Europe & Australia GmbH, where she has been Chief Executive Officer since 2022, focusing on developing, building, and operating onshore wind and solar farms. Prior to that, she served as Chief Operating Officer at the predecessor organisation, RWE Renewables GmbH, from 2019. She has over two decades of experience in leading roles within the German and international energy sector.

Commenting on her new role, Katja Wünschel stated: “After more than 20 years in the energy sector – particularly in renewable energies – I am very much looking forward to the new challenges at Vonovia and would like to express my appreciation for the trust that is being placed in me. What both industries have in common is the need to deliver multiple projects at the same time while maintaining a high level of standardisation. For me, these similarities in project development and implementation are an exciting foundation for entering a new phase in modular construction.”

Ms. Wünschel holds a degree in business administration from the University of Bayreuth. She started her professional journey at the Bayer Group in 1999, moving to E.ON in 2002, where she held various director roles in renewable energies before her time at RWE.

In a separate move, the Supervisory Board also renewed the contract of CHRO Ruth Werhahn ahead of schedule. Her contract now runs until September 30, 2029. Ms. Werhahn has been responsible for Human Resources, Vonovia Technical Service, IT, and Central Services since October 2023.

Clara C. Streit added: “Over the past two years, Ruth Werhahn has made significant progress in developing our employer brand and corporate culture and has successfully placed all her divisions on a strong entrepreneurial foundation. Especially during times of demographic change and an increasing shortage of skilled workers, HR plays a crucial strategic role.”

Ruth Werhahn expressed her thanks, saying: “I am delighted to see so much trust has been placed in me. A modern and appealing corporate culture is essential for business growth, both now and in the future. This year alone, we have attracted around 2,800 new employees, primarily in maintenance, and we are continuing to grow. Housing is a basic need for everyone. And it is above all thanks to the employees of Vonovia that our company is so successful in business while also meeting its responsibilities to the community.”