Dr Steffen Greubel to step down as chairman of the Management Board of METRO AG at his own request effective 30 September 2026

Dr Greubel has served as Chairman of the Management Board since May 2021 and was appointed until 31 December 2030. To ensure an orderly transition, he will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity until 30 April 2027.

Since assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer in May 2021, Dr Steffen Greubel has fundamentally transformed METRO based on the sCore strategy, evolving the company from a traditional cash-and-carry operator into a multichannel wholesaler. He expanded the delivery business into the Group's second major pillar, which today contributes around 30% of METRO’s total sales. As part of sCore, the digital business was significantly strengthened, tripling its share of total sales to 18%. At the same time, Own Brand sales doubled from 15% to around 30% of total sales. Over the past five years, Dr Greubel has consistently reinforced the company's sales and customer-centric culture. As a result, METRO has returned to a clear growth path, increasing sales from approximately €25 billion in financial year 2021/22 to around €33 billion in the past year. This growth was also reflected in improved profitability, with operating profit increasing by more than €100 million to €1.2 billion.

Dr Steffen Greubel consistently demonstrated his belief that METRO's success is closely linked to the success of its customers through his commitment to the independent hospitality sector. Particularly important to him was strengthening METRO's connection to the city of Düsseldorf. Whether as a partner of Fortuna Düsseldorf, as initiator of the hospitality festival "Chefs in Town", through METRO’s involvement in the city's carnival traditions, or by supporting the "Housing First" initiative, he helped firmly establish METRO's presence in Düsseldorf.

Dr Steffen Greubel: “Leading METRO has been a privilege. Together with an outstanding team, we have transformed METRO into a growing wholesale company that is closer to its customers than ever before. After five years of successful transformation, METRO is entering a new phase. There are differing views regarding the company's direction. I am convinced that this next chapter should be shaped by new leadership that can take full ownership from the outset. This is why I asked the Supervisory Board to terminate my contract. I would like to thank my colleagues and our hospitality customers for their trust and partnership over the years. I wish METRO, my successor Eric Riegger, and everyone connected with the company all the very best for the future.”

Daniel Křetínský, Chairman of EP Global Commerce: “Steffen Greubel is an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word, someone who does not simply manage a company – but leads it. He combines strategic vision with a highly pragmatic approach and a closeness to people throughout the organization that is rarely seen at the helm of a company of this size. He led METRO with great passion, and the employees gave that commitment back to him. I wish him every success in the future.”

Roman Šilha, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of METRO AG: “Steffen Greubel has fundamentally reshaped METRO. He created a corporate culture in which customer focus, sales drive, speed and entrepreneurial thinking have once again become second nature. The Supervisory Board greatly regrets his decision and sincerely thanks him for his outstanding achievements and the trust-based cooperation throughout his tenure.”

Eric Riegger, currently Chief Financial Officer of METRO AG, will assume the role of Chairman of the Management Board with effect from 1 October 2026. Further details will be announced in a separate press release.