Despite "severe burnout," former German Chancellor Schröder to engage in strategic business support for hypermarkets in Russia

The 82-year-old former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder will be involved in "strategic development support" for the Globus hypermarket chain business in Russia, RBC was told by the company. Earlier, temporary management was introduced in Russia for the Auchan, Metro, and Leman chains.

The general meeting of LLC "Hyperglobus" participants appointed Gerhard Schröder as a member of the company's supervisory board. The former Federal Chancellor of Germany will oversee the strategic development of the chain in Russia, a retailer representative told RBC.

Schröder will participate in the overall management and contribute to the long-term planning of the company's activities in the Russian market, he clarified.

Thomas Bruch, owner of LLC "Hyperglobus" and shareholder of global Globus Holding GmbH&Co, explained that Schröder's appointment is due to the need for strengthening expert support.

According to him, the ex-chancellor's many years of experience in Russia's political and economic life will allow the company to adhere to a "dialogue-oriented approach" and find constructive solutions in the current conditions.

Gerhard Schröder himself emphasized the importance of maintaining economic ties and investments in Russia, highlighting the food supply sector as a fundamental area of cooperation.

"It is precisely in crisis times that these ties are especially important: they allow us to listen to each other and find paths to the future," Schröder stated.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Schröder a preferred negotiator from Europe for building dialogue with Russia.

He explained that he proposed the former chancellor's candidacy, partly based on his high trust in him.

Former Federal Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schröder is first and foremost a German politician, "and one of the best," and he has the courage to stand up for his position, Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with heads of international news agencies within the framework of the SPIEF-2026.

Putin recalled that it was Schröder who was involved in the construction of infrastructure facilities, such as "Nord Stream," in order to "provide the German economy with reliable, cheap supplies from Russia."

In 2025, Gerhard Schröder did not participate in the parliamentary commission hearings investigating the activities of the fund related to the "Nord Stream 2" gas pipeline, as he was hospitalized with a diagnosis of "severe emotional burnout syndrome."

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