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Berlin, Germany - Following the establishment of the Federal Ministry for Digitalization and State Modernization, Germany's first Federal Digital Minister, Karsten Wildberger, expressed optimism about the prospective advancements in digital transformation and modernization of the state. Wildberger, who was appointed to his role by Chancellor Friedrich Merz in late April 2025, brings years of experience in the business sector to the table, having served as CEO of Ceconomy AG, parent company of MediaMarkt and Saturn retailers.
Wildberger's primary objective as Digital Minister is to propel Germany's digital advancement. The newly created Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation, which he heads, aims to consolidate digital responsibilities from six different ministries, focusing on digital transformation, data policy, AI, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, digital services, and efficient procurement.
In a recent interview with ARD, Wildberger emphasized the importance of his ministry adopting a start-up approach, characterized by agility, courage, and teamwork to effectively modernize the government. Expanding broadband and fiber-optic infrastructure, developing interoperable platforms, introducing a digital identity wallet, and cultivating a market surveillance authority for AI compliance are key tasks on his agenda.
Wildberger, with a PhD in physics and a background as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group and management positions at T-Mobile, Vodafone, Telstra, and E.ON, has experience in leading digital transformations, particularly in the retail sector.
- The newly created Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation, headed by Wildberger, intends to focus on political discussions related to digital advancement, technology, and general-news, as they consolidate digital responsibilities from six different ministries.
- As Germany's Digital Minister, Wildberger, with his background in physics, consulting, and leading digital transformations in various industries, aims to politics on expanding broadband and fiber-optic infrastructure, ensuring AI compliance, and creating a digital identity wallet, all key aspects of technology and modernization.
