Urban Partners announced that former German Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck will join the company as a Senior Advisor effective 1 August.

In this role, he will help advance the firm's research activities, with a particular focus on urban development and on how private capital can support the expansion of affordable housing in rapidly growing cities.

«Collaboration between the public and private sectors is at the core of our DNA as an investor, and Dr. Habeck brings invaluable experience and an impressive track record in public service at the intersection of sustainability, affordability and private enterprise,» said Jens Stender, Co-CEO of Urban Partners.

«The success of the great transformations of our time will be decided in our cities,» Habeck was quoted as saying in the statement. «Those who improve housing, public spaces and infrastructure also strengthen social cohesion, sustainability and economic resilience. I look forward to contributing to these efforts at Urban Partners.»

Expanding in Germany

With more than €25 billion in assets under management, Urban Partners also intends to strengthen its business in Germany with Habeck's support. The company currently employs around 36 people across its offices in Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin.

According to the firm, its recent investments include logistics properties in metropolitan areas as well as multi-family residential rental properties in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg.

Habeck, a leading politician of Germany's Green Party, served as Vice Chancellor in Olaf Scholz's coalition government from December 2021 to May 2025. He was the Green Party's candidate for Chancellor in the February 2025 federal election. Since leaving politics, he has taken up teaching positions at several universities in the United States and Israel.