Dr Christoph Hoppe appointed as new Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Thales in Germany

On 18 December 2025, the Supervisory Board of Thales Germany elected Dr Christoph Hoppe (62), former Federal Managing Director of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany and former Chairman of the Management Board of Thales Germany, as its Chairman. He succeeds Bernhard Gerwert, who had held this position since 2020, and took up his new role on 1 January 2026. 

"We are delighted to have gained such an experienced manager as Dr Christoph Hoppe for this position. He knows our company very well, has an excellent network and, thanks to his in-depth knowledge of key German industries and politics, will play an active role in shaping the future strategic direction of the Thales Group in Germany. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Bernhard Gerwert for his excellent and effective work over the past five years. With his dedication and tireless commitment, he has contributed significantly to the success and sustainable development of Thales in Germany. We wish him all the best for the future." 

Patrice Caine, Thales Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Hoppe has many years of experience in the German and European aerospace and defence industry, most recently as CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Thales Germany from September 2015 to February 2021, and previously as Chairman of the Management Board of Premium Aerotec from September 2013 to August 2015. In addition, Hoppe was Federal Managing Director of the CDU Germany from October 2022 to July 2024.