Merkur Group appoints Antje Kunkies as CHRO

The Merkur Group has announced a strategic appointment aimed at reinforcing its global human resources management and supporting long-term organizational growth. Antje Kunkies has been named the Group’s first-ever Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), taking on a newly created role that positions her at the forefront of the company’s HR strategy worldwide. She is set to assume the role on January 1, 2026, and will be responsible for overseeing human resources across all levels of the organization.

With an international workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, the Merkur Group is a major player in the global gaming and entertainment industry. The creation of the CHRO role underscores the company’s recognition of human resources as a strategic lever for corporate development, operational efficiency, and cultural cohesion.

Leadership perspective on the appointment

Lars Felderhoff, chairman of the Executive Board of the Merkur Group, highlighted the significance of this leadership decision:

“We are delighted to have Ms Kunkies on board for this key management role. In her previous positions, she has demonstrated her ability to strategically develop HR organisations within international companies and successfully shape them in transformation processes.”

Felderhoff’s statement reflects the Group’s intention to strengthen HR as a critical function that not only supports but actively drives the company’s business objectives. By elevating HR leadership to the executive board level, Merkur is signaling a commitment to aligning personnel strategies with overall corporate goals and long-term growth initiatives.

Antje Kunkies: experience and background

Antje Kunkies brings a wealth of experience in global human resources management and corporate transformation. A trained lawyer by profession, she has spent many years in senior HR roles across multinational companies, demonstrating a consistent track record of strategic HR leadership.

Since 2016, Kunkies has been a senior HR executive at the Claas Group, a leading agricultural machinery manufacturer. From 2023, she served as Senior Vice President, holding global HR responsibility for the Self-Propelled Harvester business unit and overseeing the company’s worldwide production organization. Her tenure at Claas was marked by the development and implementation of global HR initiatives, including talent management programs, leadership development strategies, and organizational restructuring projects.

Before joining Claas, Kunkies held a series of management roles at DMG Mori Group, where she gained extensive experience in aligning HR practices with international business strategies and in driving organizational transformation. Her career trajectory reflects a strong expertise in both operational HR management and strategic organizational development.

Role and responsibilities as CHRO

In her new capacity as CHRO, Antje Kunkies will report directly to Lars Felderhoff and will assume responsibility for shaping the Group-wide HR strategy. This encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including harmonizing global HR processes, standardizing organizational structures, and continuing the “One HR” initiative—a program designed to unify HR operations across the company’s diverse international footprint.

The objectives of this role include:

• Strengthening organizational efficiency through streamlined HR processes.
• Supporting sustainable workforce growth to meet long-term strategic goals.
• Enhancing corporate culture and employee engagement across all regions.
• Driving talent acquisition, leadership development, and performance management programs.

“Filling this key position is an important step toward further strengthening HR as a strategic success factor within the Group,” emphasized Lars Felderhoff, highlighting the critical role HR plays in the company’s broader corporate strategy.

Antje Kunkies also remarked on her new responsibilities, stating:

“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.”

Strategic importance of HR at Merkur Group

The creation of the CHRO role reflects a broader trend in global corporations where HR is increasingly recognized as a strategic function rather than a purely administrative one. For the Merkur Group, HR is central to supporting organizational change, improving workforce capabilities, and ensuring that the company can compete effectively in an evolving market landscape.

By appointing a senior executive with international experience, the Group is positioning itself to leverage best practices in human capital management, employee engagement, and leadership development. Kunkies’ mandate includes harmonizing processes across multiple countries, ensuring that the company maintains consistent standards in recruitment, training, and employee retention.

One HR initiative: building a unified workforce

One of the key projects Kunkies will oversee is the “One HR” initiative. The program aims to standardize HR practices across the company’s global operations, creating a more cohesive and efficient organizational structure. The initiative is intended to:

• Align human resources strategies across regional divisions.
• Foster a unified corporate culture and shared values.
• Improve transparency and efficiency in HR operations.
• Support employee mobility and career development opportunities globally.

By implementing a harmonized HR framework, the Merkur Group seeks to enhance organizational agility and ensure that human capital contributes directly to business performance. The initiative is also expected to facilitate smoother integration of new acquisitions, expansion into new markets, and adaptation to regulatory requirements in diverse regions.

Promoting corporate culture and employee engagement

Beyond operational HR management, the CHRO is tasked with cultivating a strong corporate culture. This includes fostering inclusivity, promoting professional development, and supporting employee well-being across all levels of the organization. By embedding cultural and ethical principles into HR practices, the company aims to retain top talent, enhance job satisfaction, and improve productivity.

Kunkies’ approach emphasizes the strategic role of HR in shaping the company’s identity and values. This is particularly relevant for global organizations like Merkur, where employees operate across different countries and cultures, each with unique expectations and regulatory environments.

Long-term goals for HR strategy

The long-term objectives of the HR department under Kunkies’ leadership are multi-faceted:

• Developing leadership pipelines to ensure future-ready management teams.
• Enhancing workforce planning to meet projected business growth.
• Integrating technology and data analytics to improve HR decision-making.
• Promoting continuous learning and professional development programs.
• Supporting regulatory compliance in all jurisdictions where the Group operates.

By achieving these objectives, Merkur Group aims to position itself as an employer of choice in the global entertainment and gaming industry, attract and retain high-caliber professionals, and foster sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The appointment of Antje Kunkies as Chief Human Resources Officer marks a pivotal step in the Merkur Group’s strategic development. By elevating HR leadership to the executive board and creating a dedicated CHRO position, the Group is signaling its commitment to workforce excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term growth. With her extensive international experience and proven track record in HR strategy and transformation, Kunkies is well-positioned to drive the Group’s human resources agenda, harmonize global processes, and reinforce a culture of collaboration and performance.

The move also underscores the increasing recognition of HR as a strategic function that directly influences corporate success, competitiveness, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global market.

FAQs

What is Antje Kunkies’ new role at Merkur Group?
Antje Kunkies has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Merkur Group.

When will Antje Kunkies start her role as CHRO?
She will officially assume the position on January 1, 2026.

What is the size of Merkur Group’s workforce?
The company employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide.

Who does the CHRO report to at Merkur Group?
The CHRO reports directly to Lars Felderhoff, chairman of the Executive Board.

What are the main responsibilities of the CHRO?
Responsibilities include developing the HR strategy, harmonizing global HR processes, and advancing the One HR initiative.

What is the One HR initiative?
One HR is a program designed to standardize HR operations across all regions and enhance organizational efficiency.

What experience does Antje Kunkies bring to Merkur Group?
She has extensive international HR experience, including senior roles at Claas Group and DMG Mori Group.

How does Merkur Group view HR in its corporate strategy?
The company considers HR a strategic function critical to organizational growth and employee engagement.

What are the long-term goals of the HR department under Kunkies?
Goals include leadership development, workforce planning, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance.

How will the CHRO role impact Merkur Group’s corporate culture?
The role aims to strengthen corporate culture, improve employee satisfaction, and foster collaboration and innovation.