Hans Friderichs
Hans Friderichs | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 16, 1931 Wittlich, Germany |
| Occupation(s) | Jurist, businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1965–2009 |
| Known for | Minister of Economy (1972–1977), leadership roles at Dresdner Bank and Adidas AG |
Hans Friderichs (born 16 October 1931) is a German jurist, businessman, and politician who held the position of Minister of Economy between 1972 and 1977.
Early life and education
Friderichs was born in Wittlich in 1931. He earned a bachelor's degree focusing on law and political science, followed by a doctoral degree.
Career
A significant figure within the Free Democrats, Friderichs served as deputy chairman of the party's North Rhine-Westphalia branch until 1964, after which he became chairman. His parliamentary career includes two terms in the German Bundestag from 1965 to 1969 and again from 1972 to 1977. He was appointed Minister of Economy on 15 December 1972, serving under Chancellor Willy Brandt until 7 October 1977.
Following his political tenure, Friderichs transitioned into leadership roles in various companies, notably Adidas AG. In October 1977, he joined the board of Dresdner Bank, taking over from the late Jürgen Ponto, and led the bank until March 1985. At Adidas, he was deputy chairman of the supervisory board up to 2007, then assumed the chairmanship from November 2007 until 2009.
Controversy
Friderichs was among several German politicians convicted and received substantial sentences for tax evasion related to the 1985 Flick affair.