UL

Ursula Leyen

President

Ursula von der Leyen


Current Position: President of the European Commission (since December 1, 2019)

Company: European Commission

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Profile Summary
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a distinguished German politician and physician, who has been serving as the 13th President of the European Commission since 2019. She is noted for being the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her political career extends through pivotal roles in the German federal government, particularly under Chancellor Angela Merkel, where she made significant contributions in defense, labor, social affairs, and family affairs.

Professional Background


European Commission:
  • President (December 2019 – Present)

  • Re-elected in July 2024, securing 401 out of 720 votes in the European Parliament.

  • Leads on pivotal projects like the European Green Deal and the EU's response to international crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


German Federal Government:
  • Federal Minister of Defense (2013-2019)

  • First woman to hold this post in Germany.

  • Advocated for increased defense spending and modernizing the Bundeswehr.

  • Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs (2009-2013)

  • Prominently pushed for compulsory gender quotas on company boards.

  • Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (2005-2009)

  • Introduced progressive child care policies and parental leave schemes.


Local Politics:
  • Held various ministerial roles in Lower Saxony before joining the federal government.


Educational Background


  • Medical License from Hanover Medical School (1987)

  • Ph.D. in Medicine from Hanover Medical School (1991)

  • Master of Public Health from Hanover Medical School (2001)

  • Studied Economics at the University of Göttingen and the London School of Economics.


Recent Activities and Key Initiatives


  • Political Guidelines 2024-2029:

  • Focus on a European Green Deal, digital transformation, economic policies beneficial to people, stronger global presence for Europe, promotion of European lifestyle and culture, and democratic engagement.

  • Groundbreaking Ceremony Speech:

  • Delivered a keynote on 20 August 2024 at the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) semiconductor plant.

  • International Relations:

  • Regular participation in G7 and G20 summits, extensive efforts to negotiate and adhere to international treaties and respond to global policies.


Notable Achievements


  • Named Most Powerful Woman in the World by Forbes in 2022 and 2023.

  • Spearheaded the EU's robust sanctions and international positions against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

  • Strong advocate for the EU’s environmental policies under the European Green Deal.

  • Facilitated agreements aimed at boosting the EU's energy security amidst global crises.


Contact Information


Address:
Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 200, 1049 Brussels, Belgium

Social Media:


Other Communications:
  • Ursula von der Leyen can be reached through official European Commission channels for formal inquiries.


Personal Data


  • Born: October 8, 1958, in Ixelles, Belgium

  • Nationality: German

  • Languages: Native in German and French, fluent in English.

  • Family: Married to physician Heiko von der Leyen with whom she has seven children.


Declaration of Interests


  • Regular publications in accordance with the European Commission's Code of Conduct.


Insights for Sales Background Research


Key Interests:
  • Focus on digital and green innovations aligns well with industries pushing forward in these sectors.

  • Active in international diplomacy, particularly interested in collaborations that enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy.


Potential Touchpoints:
  • Technology and Sustainability: Engaging with von der Leyen on products or services that align with the European Green Deal or digital transformation could find significant traction.

  • Defense and Security: Her background in defense makes her a vital contact for initiatives around cybersecurity and defense technologies.

  • Health and Public Policies: With her medical background, initiatives relating to public health policy, especially in the context of post-COVID recovery.


By understanding Ursula von der Leyen’s extensive political footprint and her forward-looking initiatives, strategic engagement plans can be created to align with her current focus areas and professional goals.