IBB Unternehmensverwaltung (IBB UV), a holding company of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB), has founded IBA Berlin GmbH. This new establishment, commissioned by the State of Berlin, will serve to prepare and implement the International Building Exhibition (IBA) between 2034 and 2037. The goal of the newly created IBA management company is to establish Berlin as a leading European location for innovative and climate-friendly urban development and to develop practical solutions for urban transformation processes.
IBB UV was tasked with setting up the company and brings its expertise in the management of public holdings. IBA Berlin GmbH is intended to fulfil a networking function between public and private stakeholders, foster national and international cooperation, and support the organisational implementation of the IBA. The company's financing is secured by public funds from the State of Berlin, the federal government, and the European Union. Additionally, project-related revenues, sponsorship, and proprietary activities are expected to contribute to the overall funding.
Strategic Direction and Spatial Focus
Senator Christian Gaebler stated that the Berlin Senate decided to hold the IBA Berlin 2034–37 on 24 March this year, thereby initiating the establishment of the IBA company. The framework for IBA Berlin 2034–37 is to be defined by the S-Bahn Ring and the major arterial roads of the city of Berlin. This spatial approach forms the basis for further work. The S-Bahn Ring is considered not only as transport infrastructure but also as a connecting element between city districts and as an indicator for central future issues in Berlin. These include aspects of housing, social infrastructure, mobility, climate-friendly transformation, and continued building within existing structures.
Dr. Hinrich Holm, CEO of IBB, highlighted the significance of the International Building Exhibition. He described it as a “North Star” by which Berlin can align its visions and strategies for modern urban development. Holm emphasised Berlin's existing potential, characterised by available spaces and competent people with creative ideas, to shape the metropolis of the future for its residents. IBB is providing the management company to ensure a professional start for the IBA.
Structure and Management Appointments
The proposed supervisory board of IBA Berlin GmbH is to consist of seven members. This includes representatives from the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing, the Senate Chancellery, the Senate Department for Finance, the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and Environment, as well as a rotating representative of the districts, an external expert, and IBB Unternehmensverwaltung as shareholder.
- —Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing (Chair)
- —Senate Chancellery
- —Senate Department for Finance
- —Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and Environment
- —Representative of the districts (rotating)
- —External expert
- —IBB Unternehmensverwaltung (Shareholder)
The position of interim managing director has been filled by Katrin Fiebig from IBB UV’s holdings management. Her task is to lead the company until a full-time dual leadership, consisting of a technical and a commercial managing director, is appointed. The selection processes for these full-time positions are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026. The supervisory board of the company will decide on the structure and timelines of these procedures. Both managing director positions will be publicly advertised. The aim is for the two managing directors to commence their activities during the first quarter of 2027, subject to the availability of the selected individuals.
