05/06/2025

WHU Alumna Verena Hubertz Named Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building in Merz Cabinet

The Kitchen Stories co-founder and SPD politician part of the newly formed German government

Germany has formed its new government, and among its new ministers is Verena Hubertz, entrepreneur and alumna of WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. At just 37 years old, Hubertz has already built an impressive career in both politics and business and has now been appointed the country’s Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building.

Upon completion of her master’s degree at WHU, Hubertz co-founded the Berlin-based start-up Kitchen Stories together with classmate Mengting Bönsch (née Gao; MSc 2013). With its goals of making creative recipes accessible online and inspiring people to cook, the venture proved so successful that BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, based in Munich, eventually acquired all shares of the company in 2023.

Born in Trier to a locksmith and a parish assistant, Hubertz first got involved with politics during her studies, joining the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 2009 to protest against the country’s lack of a standard minimum wage. Her first official role was as an auditor for her local SPD chapter in Trier-Mitte/Gartenfeld. In 2020, she stepped down from her operational role at Kitchen Stories to dedicate her time fully to politics. That next year, she won a seat in the Bundestag representing her home constituency of Trier; most recently, she has served as Deputy Chairwoman of the SPD parliamentary group.

Over the years, Hubertz has received multiple honors for her achievements and public service. As recently as November, she was featured on the prestigious 40 Under 40 list issued by business magazine Capital. She also continues to be a regular guest at WHU, most recently giving the keynote speech during the school’s Bachelor’s and Master’s graduation ceremonies in Vallendar this past September, where she offered the new alumni a few words of motivation: “You have countless opportunities ahead of you and have been excellently prepared by WHU. Use your skills, go out, and explore the world.” A guiding principle Hubertz clearly lives by.

“Verena Hubertz’s career is a prime and inspiring example of how WHU educates responsible leaders and entrepreneurs who have the potential to actively and sustainably shape society, politics, and the economy,” said Christian Andres, Dean of WHU. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Verena Hubertz on her appointment as Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building, and wish her every success in this important role.”

On May 6, Friedrich Merz (CDU) was elected as the tenth Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The newly composed government, sworn in following the election, is now at work.