Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has joined the supervisory board of Hyperglobus, a Russian supermarket chain, according to reports from RBK. Shareholders approved the appointment of the 82-year-old politician on September 30.
In his new role, Schröder is tasked with overseeing and supporting the strategic development of the retailer. Hyperglobus operates as a legally and operationally independent entity following its separation from the German company Globus in January 2025, though the stores in Russia continue to use the Globus name.
Justification for the Appointment
Thomas Bruch, the owner of Hyperglobus and a shareholder in Globus Holding, stated that the appointment was driven by a need to strengthen professional support. Bruch noted that Schröder possesses extensive knowledge of the Russian political and economic landscape and maintains an approach based on dialogue, which Bruch believes will provide the company with konstruktivní řešení za současných podmínek
(constructive solutions under current conditions).
Schröder has emphasized the importance of maintaining investment and economic ties within Russia, identifying the food sector as a key area for cooperation. He stated that such links are particularly vital during times of crisis to allow parties to listen to one another and find a path forward.
Schröder Ties to Kremlin Spark German Friction
The appointment comes amid long-standing ties between Schröder and the Kremlin. The former Chancellor, who led the German government from 1998 to 2005, has previously held positions in Russian state enterprises including Rosneft and Nord Stream 2, and sought a seat on the board of Gazprom. The Russian newspaper Kommersant suggested that the appointment might be an attempt by Hyperglobus to avoid being placed under Russian state administration, a fate that has befallen other Western companies.
These connections have caused significant friction in Germany. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Schröder faced criticism from his own party, the SPD, and other politicians for failing to condemn Moscow’s aggression and for criticizing anti-Russian sanctions. He also refused to leave his roles in Russian state firms. In 2022, he lost his parliamentary office due to these ties; subsequent legal attempts to recover the office were unsuccessful. While he avoided being expelled from the SPD, many German politicians remain reserved toward him.
International Perspectives
While the European Union has sharply rejected the idea, Vladimir Putin views Schröder as a statesman capable of leading potential negotiations between Russia and the EU regarding the end of the war in Ukraine or the security arrangement of the continent.
Other German figures have expressed disappointment. Three years ago, former federal president Joachim Gauck told the newspaper Tagesspiegel that he feels sad whenever he thinks of Schröder.
It remains unclear how other German political figures will react to this latest appointment.
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