Minister

Dr. Melanie Leonhard

Senator for Economy and Innovation, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg

Dr. Melanie Leonhard has served as Hamburg’s Senator for Economy and Innovation since December 2022, becoming the first woman to lead this department. A historian by training, she earned her doctorate in social and economic history from the University of Hamburg, focusing on the evolution of maritime family enterprises. Her career spans academia, museum leadership, and corporate communications, before transitioning into politics.

Since joining the SPD in 1999, Dr. Leonhard has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Hamburg’s Senator for Social Affairs, Family, and Integration from 2015 to 2022. She has been the co-chair of the SPD Hamburg since 2021 and is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development, innovation, and inclusive policy-making.

Dr. Leonhard brings a deep understanding of Hamburg’s maritime heritage and economic landscape, making her a compelling voice at the forefront of shaping the city’s future.

Education and Professional Experience

2013 – 2015 Head of the Department of Urban History at the Archaeological Museum Hamburg, City Museum Harburg and Helmsmuseum

2009 - PhD in Social and Economic History at the University of Hamburg

2008 – 2013 Research Assistant in Corporate Communications and Project Organization Marketing at E.R. Capital Holding in Hamburg

2005 – 2007 PhD scholarship at the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven 

1998 – 2004 Studies of Social and Economic History, minor subjects: Politics and Geography

1996 – 1997 Voluntary social year

1996 Abitur (A-Levels) at the Lessing-Gymnasium in Hamburg

Political Career

Since December 15,  2022 Chairwoman of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation

2020 – 2022 Chairwoman of the Ministry of Labour, Health, Social Affairs, Family and Integration

2015 – 2020 Chairwoman of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Family and Integration

Since 2018 State Chairwoman of the Social Democratic Party Hamburg

Since 2014 Deputy State Chairwoman of the Social Democratic Party Hamburg

2011 – 2015 Member of the Hamburg State Parliament, Family Policy Spokeswoman and Deputy Chairwoman of the Political Group during the 21st legislative period

2004 – 2011 Member of the Harburg District Assembly, Youth Welfare Committee and Urban Development Committee, Deputy Chairwoman of the Political Group