Susanne Henckel becomes State Secretary in Schleswig-Holstein: New impetus for transport and infrastructure

by Michael Levy

Ernennung am Rande des heutigen Kabinetts (v.l.) Ministerpräsident Daniel Günther, Staatssekretärin Susanne Henckel, Staatssekretärin und Amtschefin Julia Carstens, Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen I © Pressestelle des Ministeriums für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Arbeit, Technologie und Tourismus (MWVATT) des Landes Schleswig-Holstein

On 20 May 2025, Susanne Henckel was appointed State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Labour, Technology and Tourism of the State of Schleswig-Holstein. Under the leadership of Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen, she brings her extensive experience in the areas of transport planning and infrastructure to state politics.

Experience at federal and state level

Henckel, born on 31 December 1964 in Iserlohn, studied spatial and environmental planning as well as urban planning with a focus on transport planning at the technical universities in Kaiserslautern and Kassel. She began her professional career in Kassel, where she worked for Nordhessischer Verkehrsverbund from 1995 to 2010. She then took over as Managing Director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) and was also Managing Director of the Federal Association of Local Rail Transport. From 2022 to 2025, she served as State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, where she focused in particular on rail transport.

In the past years, the Public Transport Authority has invested into new rolling stock: Since the beginning of 2023, new, electrically powered double-decker railcars of the type KISS from the manufacturer Stadler have been running on the so-called ‘Elektronetz Ost’ on behalf of NAH.SH GmbH I © Uwe Miethe/ DB AG

Focus on sustainable mobility and infrastructure

In her new role in Schleswig-Holstein, Henckel will use her expertise to drive forward the state’s transport and infrastructure projects. Particular attention will be paid to the implementation of sustainable mobility concepts and the modernisation of existing transport systems. With her experience at federal level, she brings valuable perspectives to state policy, particularly with regard to the integration of digitalisation and sustainability in transport planning.

Since the end of 2024, all of the 55 Stadler Akku Flirt BEMUs have been in use in Schleswig-Holstein and three charging stations have been built by the state – this is the world’s first battery network I © Volker Emersleben / DB AG

Cooperation and future prospects

Henckel’s appointment is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening cooperation between the federal and state governments in the transport sector. Her extensive experience and commitment to a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transport infrastructure should help to position Schleswig-Holstein as a pioneer in the mobility transition.

In Susanne Henckel, Schleswig-Holstein has gained an experienced expert who knows the challenges of modern transport planning and is ready to develop innovative solutions for the future of the state.

05.06.2025