Degree in Economics. 1994-96, Project Manager in European economic, social and labour market policy, Institute for Social Policy and Social Research, Cologne. From 1996, Policy Officer, Federal Ministry of Finance. 1999-2002, headed the Minister's Office while at the same time serving as Personal Secretary to the then Federal Minister of Finance, Hans Eichel. 2002, appointed Head, Directorate for General Issues Relating to European Policies and General Financial Issues Relating to European Policies. 2003-08, headed the Directorate-General for Financial Market Policy. 2008, appointed Permanent State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, responsible for economic and fiscal policy strategy, financial market policy and European policy. 2012-13, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank. Since January 2014, Permanent State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.