The husband of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens), Daniel Holefleisch, will join the communications consultancy MSL as a partner in May. “Holefleisch will advise clients with a focus on public affairs and specializes in political analysis,” said a statement from the agency, which belongs to the German subsidiary of the French group Publicis Groupe. “An address to the management level of the Federal Foreign Office or the Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in the context of his work at MSL is contractually excluded.”
Internationally, MSL has around 2,500 employees in over 40 countries, “who advise and operationally support customers in their sustainable communication with target groups, intermediaries and stakeholders” and “create local and international influence in the interests of our customers’ companies and brands”. Holefleisch reports directly to the head of MSL in Germany, Wigan Salazar, the statement said. Most recently, Holefleisch, 49, worked at the post office, where he held the title “Senior Expert Corporate Affairs” at DHL. Previously, he worked for the Greens for 13 years.
The non-governmental organization Lobbycontrol criticized Holefleisch for the new job. His new employer has advised several governments, such as that of Saudi Arabia. In addition, Holefleisch gave up his post at Deutsche Post with the argument that it could conflict with a possible government office held by his wife. It is not clear why this conflict no longer exists.