Anja Siegesmund has left the association and handed over her position on an interim basis to Vice President Matthias Harms.

According to a statement, Matthias Harms has taken over the leadership of the BDE Bundesverband der Deutschen Entsorgungs-, Wasser- und Kreislaufwirtschaft e. V. (Federal Association of the German Waste Management, Water and Recycling Industry) from former president Anja Siegesmund on an interim basis until further notice, effective February 1, 2026. Anja Siegesmund's term of office would actually have run until the end of May this year. The former Thuringian Minister of the Environment had taken over as BDE president on June 1, 2024. However, due to differing views on the future development of the association, the parties have parted ways on the best of terms after careful and trusting discussions, according to the association's statement. The change in leadership is taking place at a time when, according to the association, it wants to strategically realign itself and position itself in a modern way. The BDE's executive committee expressly thanks Anja Siegesmund for her significant contribution to this strategic realignment and to the clear positioning of the BDE as a strong voice for the circular economy.
 
Sources:

• BDE press release (29.1.2026)
• Photo: © BDE