Merkur Group strengthens HR structure: Antje Kunkies appointed Chief Human Resources Officer

Bielefeld native takes on newly created role as CHRO and will be responsible for group-wide human resources management in the future

Espelkamp. The Merkur Group has a new head of human resources: Antje Kunkies will take up the newly created position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) on 1 January 2026, assuming overall responsibility for the Group's global HR strategy. The Merkur Group employs around 15,000 people worldwide.

Antje Kunkies takes on the newly created role of Chief Human Resources Officer at the Merkur Group. (Photo: Merkur Group)
Antje Kunkies takes on the newly created role of Chief Human Resources Officer at the Merkur Group. (Photo: Merkur Group)
“We are delighted to have Ms Kunkies on board for this key management role,” says Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Merkur Group. “In her previous positions, she has demonstrated her ability to strategically develop HR organisations within international companies and successfully shape them in transformation processes.”

Antje Kunkies is a lawyer and has many years of experience in global human resources management. Since 2016, she has held senior HR positions at the Claas Group – since 2023 as Senior Vice President with global HR responsibility for the Self Propelled Harvester business unit and the company's worldwide production organisation. Prior to that, she held various management positions at the DMG Mori Group.

In her new role, she reports to Chairman Lars Felderhoff. Her responsibilities include further developing the Group-wide HR strategy, harmonising global HR processes, and consistently continuing the “One HR” project. The aim is to standardise structures, increase the organisational efficiency, and support strong personnel growth in the long term.

“Filling this key position is an important step toward further strengthening HR as a strategic success factor within the Group,” emphasises Lars Felderhoff. The further development and refinement of the corporate culture is also one of the core tasks of the new CHRO. Antje Kunkies adds: "I am very pleased about the trust that has been placed in me. HR is a cornerstone of every successful company. Together with my colleagues, I would like to contribute to further strengthening the competitiveness of the Merkur Group and actively shaping its future development."

Quelle: Merkur Group