Former Green MP Andreae Honoured as Germany’s 2025 Energy Manager of the Year
BERLIN, 26 January 2026 – Kerstin Andreae, the chair of Germany’s powerful energy and water industry association BDEW, has been recognised with one of the sector’s top accolades. The former Green Party parliamentarian was named “Energy Manager of the Year 2025” for her pivotal role in steering the industry through the turbulent period following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and for her advocacy of Germany’s energy transition.
From Parliament to Industry Leadership
Kerstin Andreae’s career bridges politics and industry. Born on 21 October 1968 in Schramberg, Baden-Württemberg, she studied economics at the University of Freiburg. She served as a Member of the Bundestag for Alliance 90/The Greens from 2002 to 2019, holding positions including deputy chair of the parliamentary group and spokesperson for economic policy. In November 2019, she made a decisive career shift, leaving politics to become the chair of the executive board of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW). The association represents around 2,000 member companies across the energy sector.
Key Facts: Kerstin Andreae
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Chair of the Executive Board, German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) (since 2019) |
| Political Career | Member of the German Bundestag (2002-2019) for Alliance 90/The Greens |
| Award | Energy Manager of the Year 2025 (awarded September 2025) |
| Key Focus Areas | Energy security, heating transition, planning security for industry, balancing climate goals with affordability |
| Education | Diploma in Economics, University of Freiburg |
Jury Praises Crisis Leadership and Pragmatism
The “Energy Manager of the Year” award, initiated over 20 years ago by the specialist publisher Energie & Management (E&M), is considered a premier honour in the German energy sector. Andreae is the first association manager to receive it. The jury, comprising experts from industry, science, and media, voted for her by a large majority.
They highlighted her leadership in reorganising Germany’s gas supply after the halt of Russian deliveries and her commitment to transforming the heating sector, with a focus on expanding municipal heating networks. E&M publisher and jury member Helmut Sendner noted Andreae is not a classic manager measured by profits, but a “facilitator” and “pragmatic discussion partner” between industry and politics.
Professor Christian Held, a partner at law firm Becker Büttner Held, stated: “After a remarkable (energy) political career, she has shown a sure hand in leading the most important association in the German energy industry.”
A Voice at the Intersection of Politics and Business
In her own words, Andreae describes her role as being “at the interface between business and politics.” She has consistently argued for “sachgerechte, marktorientierte Lösungen und politisch stabile Rahmenbedingungen” (appropriate, market-oriented solutions and politically stable framework conditions) to achieve climate neutrality while maintaining security of supply and affordability.
Her contract as BDEW head was extended for another five years in March 2024, a sign of confidence from the industry. In recent public statements, she has urged the German government to provide clarity and consensus on key issues like the heating law to give companies the planning security needed to invest in the energy transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BDEW?
The Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW) is the German Association of Energy and Water Industries. It is the leading lobby group for the sector, representing around 2,000 member companies, including large energy suppliers, municipal utilities, and regional suppliers.
What does “Energy Manager of the Year” signify?
The award, organised by the Energie & Management media group in cooperation with the law firm Becker Büttner Held and consultancy m3, honours outstanding personalities in the German energy industry for their achievements in sustainable energy management. Past winners include heads of major utility companies like EnBW and Stadtwerke München.
How did Andreae’s political career influence her current role?
Her 17 years as a Green Party MP, particularly in economic and energy policy roles, provided her with deep insight into the legislative process and political debates surrounding the Energiewende (energy transition). This experience allows her to effectively mediate between the interests of the energy industry and the goals of climate policy in her current position as an industry representative.