The Supervisory Board of Volksbank BRAWO unanimously appointed Jürgen Wache as the future Chief Executive Officer at its most recent meeting. This decision underscores a strategic realignment of the institution. Mr Wache will commence his duties as General Representative on 15 August 2026 and is expected to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer once the formal requirements have been met.
Dr Lars Berkefeld will step down from his role as interim Spokesperson of the Board but will remain a member of the Board. Detlef Bade, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volksbank BRAWO, expressed satisfaction with the unanimous decision of the supervisory body, viewing it as a strong mandate for the bank's future direction.
Extensive experience and strategic realignment
Jürgen Wache boasts a career spanning more than 44 years within the cooperative financial group, starting at Volksbank Garbsen. For over 18 years, he led Hannoversche Volksbank as Chief Executive Officer before retiring in June 2026. During his tenure, Hannoversche Volksbank recorded solid business and earnings growth, most recently achieving a balance sheet total of EUR 9.2 billion. The 66-year-old is deeply rooted in the Hanover region and strongly connected to the cooperative idea. He brings an extensive network within the Lower Saxon economy.
For Volksbank BRAWO, the focus of the future strategic alignment will be on a stronger regional presence and a reduction in complexity. Detlef Bade emphasised that the new management team would send a clear signal to representatives, customers, and employees to refocus more strongly on classic banking and customer business. Mr Wache sees his task as regaining the trust of customers, the regional economy, and municipal decision-makers.
- —Focus on classic banking and customer business
- —Reduction of complexity in the investment portfolio, real estate segment, and green energy
- —Strengthening of regional presence in Braunschweig, Wolfsburg, Gifhorn, Salzgitter, and Peine
Jürgen Wache stated that he accepted the responsibility with pleasure and respect. He views Volksbank BRAWO as an important partner for private and corporate clients in the region and stressed the intention to refocus significantly more on the core banking business. This includes a significant reduction in complexity in the areas of the investment portfolio, real estate segment, and green energy.
Lars Berkefeld welcomed Jürgen Wache's appointment as an important signal for a new beginning and highlighted his proven competence and clear strategic focus on classic banking business. The General Meeting of Volksbank BRAWO is scheduled for 22 September 2026.
