Press Release Changes on the IG Metall Executive Board

Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall is restructuring its Executive Board: Hans-Jürgen Urban (64) is stepping down from his position as Executive Board member effective June 30. On Tuesday, the union’s Advisory Board elected André Arenz (49) to replace him. The Advisory Board is IG Metall’s highest governing body between union congresses.

Among other responsibilities, André Arenz will take over the area of workplace policy on the Executive Board. Christiane Benner (58), First Chair of IG Metall, said: “With a dedicated and diverse team, we will continue to fight for positive economic change, good working conditions, and a secure welfare state.”

The rejuvenation of the Executive Board was made possible by Hans-Jürgen Urban: “In these politically turbulent times, an orderly, smooth transition for IG Metall was important to me. I’ll turn 65 in a few days, and I’ve never accepted the idea of not being able to retire until age 67,” said the outgoing Executive Board member. Benner thanked Urban for his many years of dedication to IG Metall: “With a clear social policy compass and a strong commitment to workers’ interests, Hans-Jürgen Urban has shaped our work for nearly two decades. With him, we’ve achieved successes such as retirement after 45 years of contributions, true parity in health insurance, and the recognition of mental health risks in the workplace.”

Regarding the new executive board member, union leader Benner said: “With André Arenz, we are gaining an experienced practitioner from our rank-and-file. He has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced particularly in small and medium-sized businesses and brings extensive experience in dealing with industrial transformation. I look forward to working with him.” André Arenz was previously the managing director of IG Metall in Olpe.

Further information, press photos, and résumés of the Executive Board members can be foundhere.