Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder joined the supervisory board of Russian supermarket chain Hyperglobus, taking charge of strategic development support, according to an October 2026 report by portal RBK. The 82-year-old politician remains a controversial figure in Germany due to his continued ties with Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine and his prior work for Russian state enterprises.
Gerhard Schröder Joins Hyperglobus Supervisory Board in Russia
The appointment places the former German leader inside Hyperglobus, a company that split from Globus Holding in 2025, according to Reuters. Supermarket locations inside Russia continue operating under the Globus brand name. Globus Holding stated that the Russian retail operations remain legally and operationally independent from the parent group.
Thomas Bruch, owner of Hyperglobus and shareholder in Globus Holding, explained through the company press office that Schröder’s appointment stems from a need to strengthen expert support. Bruch noted that the former chancellor brings extensive experience from the Russian political and economic spheres alongside a dialogue-driven approach meant to offer constructive solutions under current conditions.
Economic Ties and Crisis Dialogue in the Food Sector
Portal RBK reported that Schröder emphasized the importance of maintaining economic and investment connections inside Russia, designating the food sector as a vital area for bilateral cooperation. “Especially in times of crisis, these ties are important—they allow us to listen to each other and find a path forward,” Schröder stated.
Following his tenure leading the federal government as a Social Democrat from 1998 to 2005, Schröder previously worked in companies including Nord Stream 2 and Rosneft, and sought membership in the supervisory board of Gazprom.
Political Fallout and Lost Parliamentary Privileges in Germany
Schröder’s refusal to condemn Moscow’s military aggression against Ukraine, coupled with his criticism of anti-Russian sanctions and his retention of posts in Russian state enterprises, triggered political isolation in Berlin. In 2022, Schröder lost his parliamentary office, an entitlement for former heads of government. Courts repeatedly rejected his legal challenges aimed at recovering the office space.
While disciplinary proceedings threatened his membership in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Schröder avoided formal expulsion from the party. Even so, other politicians maintain a reserved distance from him. Former German President Joachim Gauck remarked in an interview with Tagesspiegel three years ago that whenever he thinks of Schröder, it makes him sad.
European Union Rejects Vladimir Putin Peace Mediation Proposal
Vladimir Putin considers Schröder a statesman capable of leading potential negotiations between Russia and Europe regarding the continent’s security arrangement. The European Union categorically rejected any such possibility, Reuters noted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gerhard Schröder and Hyperglobus
What exact role does Gerhard Schröder hold at Hyperglobus?
Schröder serves as a member of the supervisory board for Hyperglobus, where his responsibilities focus on supporting strategic development for the Russian supermarket chain.
When did Hyperglobus separate from its German parent company?
Hyperglobus separated from Globus Holding in 2025, though the retail stores operating inside Russia continue to utilize the Globus brand name under independent legal and operational structures.
What legal penalties did Schröder face in Germany over his Russian ties?
In 2022, Schröder lost his official parliamentary office entitlement, and courts subsequently dismissed his lawsuits filed to regain the office.
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