Hans Eichel is the former German Finance Minister and co-founder of the G20. He was Chairman of the G7 in 1999 and Chairman of the G20 in 2004. Prior to this he served as the 6th Minister President of Hesse from 1991-99 and as President of the Bundesrat from 1998-99.

Eichel played a critical role in two landmark reforms – the far-reaching reform of German society and economy (also known as Agenda 2010) and the creation of the G20, together with then US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, to reflect the rebalancing of world power. Eichel hosted its inaugural meeting in Berlin.

From 1975-91, Eichel was the Mayor of Kassel, becoming German Finance Minister in 1999. As Finance Minister he was successful in decreasing the German federal deficit and balancing the budget.

Eichel currently leads the expert group on sustainable structural development for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the world’s oldest and largest foundation to promote democracy and political education.