Daniel Hager: Germany’s New Powerhouse in the Electrotechnical Industry
In a move that underscores the strategic importance of Germany’s electrotechnical sector, Daniel Hager has been elected as the new president of the Association of German Electrical and Digital Industries (ZVEI), set to assume the role officially in May 2026. The appointment marks a pivotal moment for an industry already navigating rapid transformations—from renewable energy integration to the digitalization of industrial infrastructure. With Hager at the helm, the ZVEI is poised to shape the future of Germany’s electrical engineering landscape, reinforcing its global leadership amid geopolitical and technological shifts.
Hager, 53, brings decades of hands-on experience to the position, having previously led the Hager Group—a family-owned enterprise and one of Europe’s largest providers of electrical distribution solutions—as CEO from 2008 to 2023. Under his stewardship, the company expanded its global footprint to 13,000 employees across multiple continents, achieving a turnover of €3 billion annually. His tenure was marked by a focus on innovation in smart building technologies, renewable energy systems, and industrial automation, aligning closely with the ZVEI’s strategic priorities.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Hager has been a vocal advocate for the electrotechnical industry in both Germany and France. As a member of the ZVEI’s executive board and a key figure in the Fédération des Industries Électriques, Électroniques et de Communication (FIEEC), he has championed policies that foster cross-border collaboration and technological sovereignty in Europe. His election as president-elect of the ZVEI, succeeding Dr. Günther Kegel, reflects growing confidence in his ability to navigate the sector’s challenges, from supply chain resilience to the integration of artificial intelligence in industrial processes.
The Electrotechnical Industry’s Strategic Imperative
Germany’s electrotechnical sector is at a crossroads. With the European Union’s Green Deal accelerating the transition to renewable energy and the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) setting ambitious targets for 2030, the industry faces unprecedented demands for innovation and infrastructure upgrades. Hager’s election comes as the ZVEI prepares to advocate for policies that balance environmental goals with economic competitiveness—a delicate act in an era of rising energy costs and geopolitical fragmentation.
“The electrotechnical industry is the backbone of Germany’s energy transition,” Hager stated in a 2022 interview, emphasizing the sector’s role in modernizing grids, deploying smart meters, and enabling decentralized energy production. His vision for the ZVEI includes strengthening Germany’s position as a hub for high-voltage technology, battery storage, and digital twins—areas critical to the EU’s strategic autonomy in clean energy.
Hager’s leadership will also focus on addressing skills shortages, a persistent challenge in a sector where qualified technicians and engineers are in high demand. Initiatives like the ZVEI’s dual education programs, which combine apprenticeships with academic training, will likely receive renewed emphasis under his presidency. Meanwhile, his ties to the FIEEC position him to bridge gaps between German and French industries, particularly in hydrogen infrastructure and offshore wind energy.
Key Challenges Ahead
- Regulatory Alignment: Harmonizing standards across the EU while complying with national variations (e.g., Germany’s Electrical Equipment Directive and France’s RE2020 building regulations).
- Supply Chain Resilience: Mitigating risks from semiconductor shortages and geopolitical tensions, particularly in critical minerals like lithium and cobalt.
- Digitalization: Integrating AI and IoT into industrial processes while ensuring cybersecurity in an era of escalating cyber threats.
- Workforce Development: Closing the skills gap through expanded vocational training and partnerships with universities.
Who Is Daniel Hager?
Born in Saarland, Hager’s career trajectory reflects the convergence of family legacy and industry leadership. After early roles at Eaton Electrical and Plambeck Neue Energien AG—a renewable energy developer—he joined the Hager Group in 2003, rising to CEO within five years. His decision to step down as CEO in 2023 to focus on the ZVEI presidency signals a shift toward policy influence over operational management.
Hager’s engagement extends beyond corporate and industry roles. As an ambassador for Saarland and president of the Peter and Luise Hager Foundation, he has supported regional economic development and education initiatives. In 2022, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by EY, a recognition that underscores his impact on both the German and European business landscapes.
A Legacy of Innovation
Under Hager’s leadership, the Hager Group became synonymous with smart building solutions, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors. The company’s portfolio now includes:
- Modular electrical distribution systems for data centers and factories.
- Energy management platforms for municipalities and corporate campuses.
- Collaborations with tech firms to develop AI-driven predictive maintenance tools.
His appointment to the ZVEI presidency is seen as a vote of confidence in his ability to merge technical expertise with strategic foresight. “Daniel Hager understands the industry’s pulse—he’s not just a CEO, but a thought leader who has shaped the future of electrotechnics,” noted Dr. Kegel during the transition announcement.
What’s Next for the ZVEI?
As Hager prepares to take office, the ZVEI is expected to prioritize three areas:
- Advocacy for Green Industry Standards: Pushing for EU-wide recognition of German and French certification frameworks to streamline cross-border projects.
- Investment in R&D: Launching initiatives to accelerate innovation in battery storage and grid modernization, with a focus on reducing dependency on foreign technologies.
- Global Market Expansion: Strengthening partnerships in Asia and the Americas, particularly in markets with high renewable energy adoption (e.g., India’s solar grid expansion and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act incentives).
The ZVEI’s next major event is the Electrotechnical Industry Summit 2026, scheduled for September in Frankfurt. Hager is expected to outline his strategic vision during this gathering, with a focus on aligning the industry with the EU’s 2030 climate targets.
Why This Matters for Germany—and Beyond
Germany’s electrotechnical industry is more than a economic powerhouse; it is a cornerstone of the country’s energy sovereignty. With Hager at the helm of the ZVEI, stakeholders can expect:
- A stronger voice in Brussels for industry-specific regulations.
- Accelerated adoption of digital twins and AI in manufacturing.
- Enhanced collaboration with French and Scandinavian peers on hydrogen and offshore wind projects.
For global observers, Hager’s presidency offers a glimpse into how Europe plans to compete with the U.S. And China in critical technologies. His emphasis on resilience, innovation, and cross-border cooperation positions the ZVEI as a key player in defining the next decade of electrotechnical advancements.
How to Follow Updates
For real-time developments, monitor:
- The ZVEI’s official website for press releases and policy statements.
- EU Energy Policy updates via the European Commission’s Energy Portal.
- Industry reports from the Fédération des Industries Électriques for Franco-German collaborations.
As Daniel Hager steps into his new role, the stage is set for a transformative chapter in the electrotechnical industry. With the Electrotechnical Industry Summit 2026 on the horizon, all eyes will be on how his leadership can turn strategic challenges into opportunities for growth and sustainability.
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