METRO reorganizes Corporate Communications and Public Policy into two separate departments

As of 1 July 2018, METRO will divide its Corporate Communications and Public Policy department into two divisions: Corporate Communications and Corporate Public Policy. As new Global Director Corporate Communications, retail expert Gerd Koslowski (51) will join METRO AG. In his most recent position at Edeka Rhein-Ruhr, Koslowski set up the communications department. Previously, Koslowski was responsible for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Galeria Kaufhof and HBC Europe. He further held executive communication positions at the Bundesliga club FC Köln and at retail players such as Karstadt, Quelle and Neckermann. Koslowski also worked for Bertelsmann, where he held functions within the inter-national media club business and e-commerce operations. As new Global Director Public Policy, Ivonne Bollow (37) will take over. She joined METRO AG in 2013. In her recent position, she led the International Affairs division within the Corporate Communications and Public Policy department.

Michael Wedell, who is to date the Global Director of the joint Corporate Communications and Public Policy Department, had previously requested the Management Board of METRO AG to terminate his contract for personal reasons. The reorganisation of the department has been initiated and prepared by Michael Wedell himself. He has held executive positions at METRO AG since November 2009. "Michael Wedell has profoundly shaped METRO's relationships with media, politics and social interest groups over years. By introducing innovative strategies and dialogue formats, he has driven the modernisation of interest representation both within METRO's national and within our global business. I personally as well as on behalf of the Management Board of METRO AG extend our sincere gratitude to Michael Wedell. We regret his decision to leave the company", stated Olaf Koch, Chairman of the Management Board of METRO AG. Michael Wedell will continue to assist the company in an advisory capacity.

METRO is a leading international specialist in wholesale and food retail. The company operates in 35 countries and employs more than 150,000 people worldwide. In financial year 2016/17, METRO generated sales of approximately €37 billion. The company provides custom solutions to meet the regional and international needs of its wholesale and retail customers. With its sales brands METRO/MAKRO Cash & Carry and Real as well as delivery services and digitisation initiatives, METRO sets the standards for tomorrow: for customer focus, digital solutions and sustainable business models.