Chairman, Rheinischer Sparkassen- und Giroverband

• 1985: Abitur, followed by military service
• 1987 - 1993: Studies in economics at the University of Bonn, graduation with a degree in economics
• 1998: Tax consultant
• 1999: Certified public accountant
• 1993 - 2004: Worked for KPMG Deutsche Treuhand
• 2004 - 2005: Self-employed auditor and tax consultant
• 1995 - 2007: Member of the state parliament and member of the CDU parliamentary group executive committee
• June 2005 - October 2007: Minister for Federal and European Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
• Since January 1, 2008: President of the Rheinischer Sparkassen- und Giroverband Düsseldorf