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A change in leadership is underway at the North Frisia Economic Development Agency: Effective May 1, 2027, Tilmann H. Meyer will take over from Dr. Matthias Hüppauff, who is retiring on April 30, 2027, after 26 years of service. With the current authorized signatory and long-time employee, we are counting on continuity, regional experience, and new momentum for the economic development of North Frisia.
On September 29, the Supervisory Board unanimously appointed Meyer as managing director. The shareholders’ meeting confirmed the decision. This followed a multi-stage selection process, which was facilitated by an external recruitment firm.
Dr. Matthias Hüppauff has helped shape the economic development of North Frisia for more than two and a half decades. He placed a special emphasis on renewable energy: He played a key role in the development of the Wind Test Field North in the Südermarsch and brought the Schleswig-Holstein Renewable Energy Cluster (EE.SH) to North Frisia. In doing so, he strengthened the region’s position as a hub for the energy transition.
He also supported tourism as a key pillar of the North Frisian economy, including efforts to attract new hotels. In addition, he oversaw the development of former military properties, cross-border cooperation with Danish partners, and the founding of the North Frisia Development Corporation.
“Economic development often involves initiating projects whose results won’t be visible for years. That makes me all the more pleased that important projects have come so far today,” says Dr. Matthias Hüppauff. “With Tilmann Meyer, we’re welcoming a new CEO who not only knows our projects but has also helped build many of them from the ground up. I know the WFG is in very good hands with him.”
Tilmann H. Meyer was born in North Frisia and has been with WFG Nordfriesland for twelve years. He has been a member of the executive board as an authorized signatory since 2022. In addition, he has headed the North Frisian Innovation Center (NIC) in Niebüll since 2018. He will continue in this role as managing director.
Under his leadership, the NIC was reoriented and is now operating at full capacity. With a master’s degree in urban and regional development and professional experience in real estate development, Meyer brings in-depth knowledge to the further development of the business location.
For District Administrator Florian Lorenzen, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, the decision combines time-tested values with new perspectives: “He thus stands for continuity and, at the same time, for new momentum.”
A key focus of future work will be on the opportunities presented by the Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein initiative. With its expertise in energy and land use, North Frisia is well-positioned to facilitate new business locations and generate additional economic value in the region.
“With its expertise in energy and land use, North Frisia is ideally positioned to benefit from the Net Zero Valley Schleswig-Holstein initiative. We want to seize this opportunity to attract new businesses and create value in the region,” explains Tilmann Meyer.
Supporting local businesses remains just as important. Through our business services, we support companies with investments, expansions, grants, and issues related to securing a skilled workforce. Attracting and retaining workers is a key challenge both on the mainland and on the islands and Halligen. Together with local governments and our partners, we aim to develop solutions to address this.
Until the transition in May 2027, Dr. Matthias Hüppauff and Tilmann H. Meyer will work with the Supervisory Board to prepare for the handover. This will allow us to lay the groundwork for reliably continuing ongoing projects and launching new initiatives.
Our mission remains clear: We support businesses, connect regional stakeholders, and work with our partners to shape the economic future of North Frisia.
Learn more: You can find information about our services and projects at www.wfg-nf.de.
Photo: Dr. Matthias Hüppauff, Tilmann H. Meyer, and District Administrator Florian Lorenzen (Source: WFG NF)
