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The CEO of Ceconomy AG, the company behind MediaMarkt, MediaWorld and Saturn, Dr Karsten Wildberger, has asked the Supervisory Board to release him from his duties at the company by mutual agreement so that he can take up the post of Minister for Digitalisation and State Modernisation in the new German government.

Dr. Karsten Wildberger, CEO of [Ceconomy](/company/ceconomy-ag) says: "I am honored by the trust that Friedrich Merz has placed in me and by the opportunity to become the new Minister for Digital Affairs. Digitalization and technology have been defining themes throughout my career, and the new ministry will play a decisive role in the modernization of our country. What makes this short-notice departure somewhat easier is knowing that our company is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I have full confidence that the leadership Team will continue to build on the trajectory of growth."

Thomas Dannenfeldt, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ceconomy AG says: "I value Dr. Karsten Wildberger as an outstanding CEO and have great respect for how he has steered Ceconomy/MediaMarktSaturn back onto a growth trajectory over the past nearly four years with a clear strategy and a steady hand. I am confident that Dr. Karsten Wildberger will make an excellent contribution to Germany's development in his new ministerial position, which will also benefit many companies in our country."

The designated Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz also announced the (expected) appointment of Thorsten Frei as Federal Minister for Special Tasks and Head of the Federal Chancellery, Karin Prien as Federal Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Katherina Reiche as Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Patrick Schnieder as Federal Minister for Transport, Johann Wadephul as Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Nina Warken as Federal Minister for Health.

The prospective Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, is currently Chairwoman of the Executive Board of Westenergie, Chairwoman of the National Hydrogen Council and a member of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler (Motion Technology).

It is not yet known which ministry will be responsible for the gaming sector in the next government. In the last legislative period, gaming was the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). It could be the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs or the Ministry of Digital Affairs. However, the formation of the government coalition still depends on the votes of the SPD members, who are still deciding on the coalition agreement (until 29 April).

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MediaMarktSaturn CEO to Become Federal Minister for Digitalisation and State Modernisation