{{Short description|German politician (born 1969)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Karsten Wildberger | image = Karsten WILDBERGER (Federal Minister for Digital and State Modernisation, Germany).jpg | caption = Wildberger in 2025 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|9|5|df=yes}} | birth_place = [[Giessen]], [[Hesse]], [[West Germany]] | party = [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|CDU]] (since 2025) | alma_mater = [[Technical University of Munich]]<br />[[RWTH Aachen University]]<br />[[INSEAD]] | office = [[Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation|Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation]] | status = | chancellor = [[Friedrich Merz]] | term_start = 6 May 2025 | predecessor = [[Volker Wissing]] <small>(as Minister of Digital and Transport)</small> | office1 = [[CEO]] of [[Ceconomy]] | term_start1 = 1 August 2021 | term_end1 = 5 May 2025 | predecessor1 = Bernhard Düttmann | successor1 = Christoph Vilanek | other_party = [[Independent politician|Independent]] (before 2025) }} '''Karsten Wildberger''' (born 5 September 1969) is a German business executive who has been serving as [[Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation|Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation]] in the [[Merz cabinet|government]] of [[Chancellor of Germany|Chancellor]] [[Friedrich Merz]] since 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karsten Wildberger |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/federal-cabinet/2344278-2344278#jumpto-2344282 |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Website of the Federal Government {{!}} Bundesregierung |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Matt |date=2025-04-28 |title=Germany updates: Merz names CDU Cabinet ministers – DW – 04/28/2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-updates-merz-names-cdu-cabinet-ministers/live-72371726 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> From 2021 to 2025, he served as CEO of [[Ceconomy]].<ref>{{cite web |date=28 April 2025 |title=Merz macht MediaMarkt-Manager zum Digitalminister: Wildberger fiel zuvor mit ungewöhnlichen Ideen auf |trans-title=Merz appoints MediaMarkt manager as Digital Minister: Wildberger previously stood out with unusual ideas |url=https://www.merkur.de/wirtschaft/wildberger-wird-merz-digitalminister-mediamarkt-manager-fiel-mit-ungewoehnlichen-ideen-auf-zr-93703713.html |work=[[Münchner Merkur]] |language=de}}</ref>
== Education == From 1989 to 1995, Wildberger studied physics at the [[Technical University of Munich]] and [[RWTH Aachen University|RWTH Aachen]], where he completed a doctorate in theoretical solid-state and [[computational physics]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Dr. Karsten Wildberger - Aachener Ingenieurpreis |url=https://www.ingenieurpreis-ac.de/en/advisory-council/dr-karsten-wildberger/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.ingenieurpreis-ac.de}}</ref> His research involved developing new computational methods to accurately calculate the properties of large, layered metal structures and exploring the field of giant magnetoresistance.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bernabé-Moreno |first=Juan |last2=Wildberger |first2=Karsten |date=2019-01-01 |title=A fuzzy linguistic supported framework to increase Artificial Intelligence intelligibility for subject matter experts |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050919320721 |journal=Procedia Computer Science |series=7th International Conference on Information Technology and Quantitative Management (ITQM 2019): Information technology and quantitative management based on Artificial Intelligence |volume=162 |pages=865–872 |doi=10.1016/j.procs.2019.12.061 |issn=1877-0509|hdl=10481/60235 |hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How Artificial Intelligence is accelerating the Energy Transition |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337844732_How_Artificial_Intelligence_is_accelerating_the_Energy_Transition |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Researchgate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SURFACE ENHANCEMENT OF 3d, 4d, AND 5d IMPURITY MOMENTS AT Cu AND Ag(00l) SURFACES |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263878467_SURFACE_ENHANCEMENT_OF_3d_4d_AND_5d_IMPURITY_MOMENTS_AT_Cu_AND_Ag00l_SURFACES |website=Researchgate}}</ref> He later obtained an MBA from [[INSEAD]] in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Karsten Wildberger – Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) |url=https://einzelhandel.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13588&Itemid=-1 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=einzelhandel.de}}</ref>
== Career == === Early career === From 1998 to 2003, Wildberger worked as a management consultant at the [[Boston Consulting Group]]. He subsequently held international leadership roles in the telecommunications industry at [[T-Mobile]], [[Vodafone|Vodafone plc]], and [[Telstra|Telstra Group Limited]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Karsten Wildberger Chief Executive Officer and Labour Director, CECONOMY AG Chairman of the Management Board, Media-Saturn-Holding GmbH |url=https://www.ceconomy.de/media/cv_dr_karsten_wildberger.pdf |website=Ceconomy AG}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
=== Telstra === As a member of [[Telstra]]'s executive board from 2013 to 2016, Wildberger was responsible for Telstra's consumer and business segments, product development, retail and service operations, and the company's digital transformation, [[Telstra Digital]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neems |first=Mitchell |date=October 9, 2015 |title=Telstra exec shake-up continues Wildberger tapped to replace Ballantyne as head of retail business as CEO Penn stamps authority. |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/breaking-news/telstra-exec-shakeup-continues/news-story/fc811cbf908b75db04573f5e5cedb5c4 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=adelaidenow.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-07-01 |title=Telstra uses Master of Robotics |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/telstra-calls-on-master-of-robotics-to-rewire-its-malfunctioning-internet-home-page/news-story/f08c133467b6671fd18594363c4d8e0a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822222416/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/telstra-calls-on-master-of-robotics-to-rewire-its-malfunctioning-internet-home-page/news-story/f08c133467b6671fd18594363c4d8e0a |archive-date=22 August 2017 |access-date=2025-05-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also a director of the Telstra Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Karsten Wildberger - Aachener Ingenieurpreis |url=https://www.ingenieurpreis-ac.de/de/beirat/dr-karsten-wildberger/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.ingenieurpreis-ac.de}}</ref> Wildberger oversaw the launch of several strategic products and services, such as Telstra Air, Australia's largest Wi-Fi Network,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telstra breathes fresh Air into national Wi-Fi network |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/telstra-breathes-fresh-air-into-national-wi-fi-network/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=channelnews : Telstra Air Wi-Fi Network To Launch Next Week |url=https://www.channelnews.com.au/31mm56xo-telstra-air-wi-fi-network-to-launch-next-week/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |language=en-US}}</ref> and Telstra TV, a streaming platform.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telstra names new CFO |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/telstra-names-new-cfo-403366 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=iTnews}}</ref> During his tenure, Telstra also introduced its Discovery Store concept with interactive technology and personalized services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angove-Plumb |first=Alex |date=2014-10-20 |title=Telstra changes the game with new Discovery Store in Sydney CBD |url=https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/News/Telstra-changing-the-game-with-new-Discovery-store-in-Sydney-CBD |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=WhistleOut |language=en}}</ref>
=== EON === From 2016 to 2021, Wildberger served on the Board of Management of [[E.ON|E.ON SE]], responsible for E.ON’s Customer Business Unit and IT, overseeing Energy Management, Decentralized Energy Solutions, E-Mobility, Innovation, Brand and Marketing, IT, and E.ON’s digital transformation.<ref name=":1" /> He was also responsible for Retail and Customer Solutions across 15 markets, serving 50 million customers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=E.ON announces a new initiative in digital energy products |url=https://www.eon.com/en/about-us/media/press-release/2017/eon-announces-a-new-initiative-in-digital-energy-products.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.eon.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=E.ON on change plans of board member Karsten Wildberger |url=https://www.eon.com/en/about-us/media/press-release/2021/eon-on-change-plans-of-board-member-karsten-wildberger.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.eon.com |language=en}}</ref> During Wildberger's tenure, [[E.ON]] launched E.ON Home in 2019, an energy management system developed in collaboration with [[Microsoft]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Solar Media |date=2018-10-03 |title=E.On partners Microsoft for 'next step in smart home technology' |url=https://www.current-news.co.uk/e-on-to-launch-the-next-step-in-smart-home-technology-under-microsoft-collaboration/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Current News |language=en-US}}</ref> This platform integrated diverse home energy applications—including rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and battery storage—into a unified digital interface''.''<ref name=":2" /> Wildberger also oversaw the creation E.ON Next in 2020, a UK strategic energy subsidiary developed in collaboration with [[Kraken Technologies]] (a subsidiary of [[Octopus Energy]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=E.ONnext – E.ON and Kraken Technologies form strategic partnership for E.ON's UK residential and commercial customer business |url=https://www.eon.com/en/about-us/media/press-release/2020/eonnext-eon-and-kraken-technologies-form-strategic-partnership-for-eons-uk-residential-and-commercial-customer-business.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.eon.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Solar Media |date=2020-03-23 |title=E.On turns to Octopus' Kraken for 'bold step' towards E.Onnext brand |url=https://www.current-news.co.uk/e-on-partners-with-kraken-as-it-takes-bold-step-launching-e-onnext/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Current News |language=en-US}}</ref> The venture focused on sustainability, customer service and operational efficiency, powered by digital solutions.<ref name=":3" /> Additionally, he expanded E.ON’s collaboration with [[RWTH Aachen University]], funding projects in energy system analysis, smart grids, storage, efficiency, electrification, and digitalization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=E.ON and RWTH prolong cooperation agreement |url=https://www.eon.com/en/about-us/media/press-release/2021/eon-and-rwth-prolong-cooperation-agreement.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.eon.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=E.ON und RWTH Renew Partnership Agreement |url=https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/die-rwth/aktuell/pressemitteilungen/juni-2021/~pbrjy/e-on-und-rwth-verlaengern-kooperationsve/?lidx=1 |website=RWTH Aachen}}</ref>
=== MediaMarkt Saturn === From August 1, 2021 to May 5, 2025, Wildberger was CEO of [[Ceconomy|Ceconomy AG]] and its subsidiary, [[MediaMarkt|MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group]].<ref>{{Cite news |author= |title=E.ON board member to leave to become CEO of Ceconomy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/eon-ceconomy-idUSL1N2MX1OQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019123840/https://www.reuters.com/article/eon-ceconomy-idUSL1N2MX1OQ |archive-date=19 October 2021 |access-date=2025-04-30 |work=U.S. |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> His tenure focused on addressing post-pandemic challenges, resolving a governance dispute among stakeholders and implementing a new strategic direction for the company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nach Einigung mit Kellerhals-Erben: Media-Saturn und Ceconomy unter einer Führung |trans-title=After agreement with Kellerhals heirs: Media-Saturn and Ceconomy under one leadership |url=https://www.channelpartner.de/article/3902218/media-saturn-und-ceconomy-unter-einer-fuehrung.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=ChannelPartner |language=de-DE}}</ref> In May 2022, Wildberger introduced a strategy aimed at enhancing customer experience, developing omnichannel operations, and diversifying the company's business model.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Experience & Nachhaltigkeit: Wie CEO Karsten Wildberger Media-Markt als Marke neu erfinden will |trans-title=Experience & sustainability: How CEO Karsten Wildberger wants to reinvent MediaMarkt as a brand |url=https://www.horizont.net/marketing/nachrichten/experience--nachhaltigkeit-wie-ceo-karsten-wildberger-media-markt-als-marke-neu-erfinden-will-202864 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.horizont.net |language=de-de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ludwig |first=Peter |date=2024-10-14 |title=MediaMarktSaturn: Dr. Karsten Wildberger über Innovationen und Kundenerlebnisse |trans-title=MediaMarktSaturn: Dr. Karsten Wildberger on innovations and customer experiences |url=https://euro-leaders.com/de/mediamarktsaturn-dr-karsten-wildberger-ueber-innovationen-und-kundenerlebnisse/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=EURO LEADERS |language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bruckbauer |first=Stefanie |date=2023-12-19 |title=Ceconomy: Rote Zahlen trotz Umsatzplus |trans-title=Ceconomy: Red figures despite revenue increase |url=https://elektro.at/2023/12/19/ceconomy-rote-zahlen-trotz-umsatzplus/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=elektro.at |language=de}}</ref> Under Wildberger, the company repositioned itself as an omnichannel service platform and expanded into new areas such as a third-party marketplace and retail media services. Wildberger also directed efforts to modernize stores with new formats and broaden the company's service offerings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Store Concept: Consumer Electronics Retailer Embraces Experience |url=https://www.euroshop-tradefair.com/en/euroshopmag/store-concept-consumer-electronics-retailer-embraces-experience |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.euroshop-tradefair.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-06 |title="We're not just selling products – we're trusted advisors" - IFA International |url=https://daily.ifa-berlin.com/daily/itw-mediamarktsaturn/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Klare Worte von Karsten Wildberger: MediaMarktSaturn setzt langfristig auf Filialen |trans-title=Clear words from Karsten Wildberger: MediaMarktSaturn is committed to physical stores in the long term |url=https://www.cio.de/article/3695824/mediamarktsaturn-setzt-langfristig-auf-filialen.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=CIO DE |language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Etribes {{!}} MediaMarkt Saturn CEO über die Herausforderungen des Online Handel, der Kundenbindung und der Omnichannel Strategie |trans-title=Etribes {{!}} MediaMarkt Saturn CEO on the challenges of online retail, customer loyalty, and omnichannel strategy |url=https://www.etribes.de/news/mediamarkt-saturn-ceo-uber-die-herausforderungen-des-online-handel-der-kundenbindung-und-der-omnichannel-strategie-kassenzone-podcast |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.etribes.de |language=de}}</ref>
Since 6 May 2025, Wildberger has been Germany's first-ever [[Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation|Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strauß |first=Hagen |date=2025-04-28 |title=Union stellt neue Regierungsmitglieder vor: Das sind die Minister von Merz und Söder |trans-title=Union presents new government members: These are the ministers of Merz and Söder |url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/neue-schwarz-rote-koalition-das-sind-die-minister-von-merz-und-soeder_aid-126768195 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=RP ONLINE |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=CECONOMY AG: Ausscheiden des Vorstandsvorsitzenden Dr. Karsten Wildberger |trans-title=CECONOMY AG: Resignation of CEO Dr. Karsten Wildberger |url=https://www.it-times.de/news/ceconomy-ag-ausscheiden-des-vorstandsvorsitzenden-dr-karsten-wildberger-170215/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.it-times.de |language=de}}</ref>
== Other roles and affiliations == Wildberger was a member of the Supervisory Board of [[Forschungszentrum Jülich]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Management and Organization |url=https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/about-us/people/board-of-directors-and-organization |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.fz-juelich.de}}</ref> and sat on the advisory board of the Aachener Ingenieurpreis.<ref name=":0"/> Additionally, he served as Vice President and member of the Presidium of the Wirtschaftsrates der [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|CDU]], one of Germany’s largest business interest groups, advocating for the principles of the social market economy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neuer Vizepräsident: Dr. Karsten Wildberger, CEO der CECONOMY AG |trans-title=New Vice President: Dr. Karsten Wildberger, CEO of CECONOMY AG |url=https://wirtschaftsrat.de/de/verband/landesverband-nordrhein-westfalen/alle-inhalte-des-landesverbandes/a55071766d206e55c12587980047e8d0/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Wirtschaftsrat |language=de-DE}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Cabinet Merz}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wildberger, Karsten}} [[Category:1969 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Christian Democratic Union of Germany politicians]] [[Category:21st-century German businesspeople]] [[Category:21st-century German politicians]] [[Category:INSEAD alumni]]