1970-74, studies in Economics and Social Science, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel. Since 1969, Member, Social Democratic Party (SPD); 1974-86, Assistant Head, division in federal ministries and Federal Chancellery; 1986-90, Head, Office of the Minister-President, North Rhine-Westphalia; 1990-92, State Secretary, Ministry for Nature, the Environment and Regional Development, Schleswig-Holstein; 1992-93, State Secretary, Ministry of Economics, Technology and Transport, Schleswig-Holstein; 1993-98, Minister of Economics, Technology and Transport, Schleswig-Holstein; 1998-2000, Minister of Economics and SMEs, Technology and Transport, North Rhine-Westphalia; 2000-02, Minister of Finance, North Rhine-Westphalia; 2002, Member of the State Assembly, North Rhine-Westphalia; 2002-05, Minister-President, North Rhine-Westphalia; since November 2005, current position.