The Wealth and Philanthropy of Rolf Buch, CEO of Vonovia

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© Vonovia / Catrin Moritz

Rolf Buch is a German businessman who has made a significant fortune in the real estate industry. He is best known for his leadership roles at Vonovia SE, one of the largest residential property companies in Europe.

Buch was born on December 4, 1965, in Germany. He studied law at the University of Bonn and later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.

Buch began his career at a law firm before transitioning to the real estate industry. In 2000, he joined Deutsche Annington, which later became Vonovia, as Head of Mergers and Acquisitions. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming CEO of Vonovia in 2013.

Under Buch’s leadership, Vonovia has grown significantly through a series of acquisitions, including the purchase of Gagfah in 2015. Today, Vonovia owns and manages more than 400,000 apartments in Germany, Austria, and Sweden.

Buch’s success at Vonovia has led to significant wealth. As of 2021, his net worth is estimated to be approximately €570 million ($670 million), according to Forbes.

Despite his financial success, Buch is known for his commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Under his leadership, Vonovia has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency in its properties. The company has also launched programs to support affordable housing and social integration.

Buch is also a member of several boards and organizations, including the German Real Estate Association (ZIA), the German Council for Sustainable Development, and the board of trustees of the Stiftung Mercator Foundation.

In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Buch is an avid art collector and has been recognized for his contributions to the German arts scene. He is married and has two children.

Here is a timeline of the career and achievements of Rolf Buch:

  • 1965: Rolf Buch is born in Germany.
  • Early career: Buch works at a law firm before transitioning to the real estate industry.
  • 2000: Buch joins Deutsche Annington, later known as Vonovia, as Head of Mergers and Acquisitions.
  • 2013: Buch becomes CEO of Vonovia.
  • 2015: Vonovia acquires Gagfah in the largest deal in the German residential real estate industry at the time.
  • Present: Under Buch’s leadership, Vonovia owns and manages over 400,000 apartments in Germany, Austria, and Sweden.
  • 2021: Forbes estimates Buch’s net worth to be approximately €570 million ($670 million).
  • Buch leads Vonovia’s initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency in its properties.
  • Buch is a member of the German Real Estate Association (ZIA), the German Council for Sustainable Development, and the board of trustees of the Stiftung Mercator Foundation.
  • Buch is an avid art collector and has been recognized for his contributions to the German arts scene.

5 Interesting Facts About Rolf Buch:

  1. Buch is known for his commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and Vonovia has set a goal to be climate-neutral by 2050.
  2. He is an advocate for affordable housing and has launched several initiatives to support social integration and combat homelessness.
  3. Buch has received several awards for his contributions to the real estate industry and sustainable development, including the 2019 World Habitat Award.
  4. He is an accomplished musician and plays the drums in a band with his colleagues at Vonovia.
  5. Buch is also an art collector and owns several pieces of contemporary art.

5 Quotes from Rolf Buch:

  1. “Sustainability is a core element of our corporate strategy. It is our responsibility to contribute to climate protection and the conservation of natural resources.”
  2. “We believe that everyone should have the chance to live in good, affordable housing, and we are committed to making this a reality.”
  3. “The real estate industry has a key role to play in promoting sustainable development, and we are committed to being a leader in this area.”
  4. “As a company, we have a responsibility to create value not only for our shareholders, but also for society as a whole.”
  5. “Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and enrich our lives, and I am proud to be a collector and supporter of contemporary art.”

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