University entrance qualification (Abitur)
Training as a bank clerk
Studied business administration at the Universities of Dortmund and Bielefeld

1994: Diploma in business administration (Diplom-Kaufmann) from the University of Bielefeld

1995: Trainee at Dresdner Bank, Bielefeld branch

1996: Manager of the Bünde branch of Dresdner Bank

2000: Head of the regional communications department, Dresdner Bank, Ruhr and Westphalia Region

2001: Manager of the Lünen branch of Dresdner Bank

2005: Press Spokesman for Dresdner Bank, Ruhr and Westphalia Region, based in Dortmund

2009 to 2017: Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Hamm mbH

2017: State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy

1983: Member of the FDP

1991 to 1993: State Chairman of the Young Liberals (Jungen Liberalen) NRW

Since 1990 (with interruptions): Member of the State Executive Committee of the FDP NRW

1999/2000: Councillor and First Deputy Mayor of Bünde (Herford District)

2004 to 2009: Party Chairman in Werne Council, Deputy Party Chairman in the Regional Assembly Westphalia-Lippe