Leonie Dirks to lead Baden-Württemberg State Chancellery

Leonie Dirks will become the head of the State Chancellery in Baden-Württemberg on October 1, 2026. Her appointment makes her the first woman to lead the state's government headquarters. Dirks, who previously served as a ministerial director in the Social Ministry, will take over the role from Jörg Krauss, who is retiring after 50 years of state service.

The leadership change also extends to the Social Ministry, where Berthold Frieß will succeed Dirks as the new head of the department. The State Chancellery is responsible for coordinating the political affairs of the state government, including the planning and preparation of cabinet meetings and conferences of the Minister-Presidents.