Ulrike Janssen: Pioneering Sustainable, Affordable Housing & Female Leadership In Germany's Real Estate Sector

Real estate is crucial as it plays a central role in shaping economies and providing homes, workplaces, and essential services. Leaders are responsible for navigating market trends, regulatory challenges, and technological advancements. They also play a key role in creating value for clients, communities, and investors while ensuring ethical practices and long-term growth. Strong leaders in real estate are vital to shaping the future of cities, residential communities, and climate protection, fostering both business success and social impact. Ulrike Janssen, Managing Director of LEG Wohnen, is an industry veteran in the housing sector whose expertise has been instrumental in driving the organization toward greater success. LEG provides good, affordable housing for all, managing approximately 166,000 apartments that serve around 500,000 tenants. This makes LEG-Immobilien-Gruppe one of Germany’s leading housing companies.

In a personal interview with us, Ulrike shared her professional journey, her role in the company and women in leadership jobs.

Could you describe the early years of your life? What key influences during that time helped shape who you are today?

Growing up in East Germany shaped my view on life profoundly, especially with the fall of the Berlin Wall, which highlighted the importance of democracy and freedom to me. I experienced this freedom firsthand as a teenager at a demonstration with my mother in Leipzig, leaving me with a lasting commitment to these values. My parents also strongly influenced me. My father was a mechanic, and my mother, a working mom in a hospital, taught me the importance of independence. Her resilience inspired my independence and passion for supporting women. Mentors also shaped my growth, and an early boss encouraged me to reach my potential, instilling lasting confidence. I’m optimistic and pursue my dreams with authenticity and positive action.

Could you share some insights into your professional journey in the real estate industry? What were the most pivotal moments along the way?

My real estate journey began after completing an MBA at the University of Leipzig, where I specialized in real estate. Drawn to the impact of properties on our daily lives, I started in 2000 as a consultant, advising corporate real estate owners on portfolio management and restructuring. Over 15 years, I moved into leadership roles, serving as Managing Director at one company and Head of Germany at another, where I oversaw operations, HR, client acquisition, and finance. Together with my teams, I managed large commercial portfolios, including properties like Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. Throughout, my focus was on delivering high-quality service and client satisfaction, a goal achievable only with a dedicated and motivated team, which I see as essential for success.

“Open communication is very important to me, and i aim to set a positive example for my team”

Can you introduce us to LEG-Immobilien- Gruppe? What is the core idea behind this venture, and what are its main areas of expertise?

LEG-Immobilien-Gruppe, based in Düsseldorf, is Germany's second-largest listed residential company, managing approximately 166,000 rental properties and housing around half a million tenants. With 2,000 employees and a rental income of €1.24 billion last year, LEG is also the largest landlord in North Rhine- Westphalia. Committed to affordable housing, LEG emphasizes economic sustainability, operational efficiency, and tenant satisfaction, recognizing its social impact within the communities it serves. Through neighbourhood management, personal services, and two dedicated foundations, LEG actively fulfils its social responsibility and strives to enhance the quality of life for its diverse tenant base.

As one of the key leaders at LEG-Immobilien- Gruppe, what are your primary roles and responsibilities? What are your main focus areas when it comes to driving the company’s growth?

As Managing Director at LEG Wohnen, the operational hub of LEG-Immobilien-Gruppe, I oversee technical management, energy, and maintenance for our portfolio, supported by a team of 500 craftsmen, 130 project managers and architects, 100 facility managers, and 40 energy managers. Our focus is on property maintenance, modernization, and achieving climate neutrality by 2045, including energy procurement and sustainable initiatives. Navigating complex regulations while maintaining efficiency is a key challenge. To address Germany’s lack of grid connection capacities and skilled workforce, we founded a new company four months ago, now helping meet our portfolio’s transformation goals.

What are some of the key challenges you face in your current role, and how do you address them?

In my role, I face challenges, particularly with regulatory requirements from the EU and the German government, as we aim for climate neutrality. With 166,000 apartments, we must reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining cost efficiency, which requires creativity and openness to new technologies. I work closely with my diverse team, leveraging my leadership skills to encourage change and foster open communication. By asking many questions, I stimulate out-of-the-box thinking. Trust, collaboration, and a positive attitude are key to overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities for both the company and society.

How do you see the representation of women in leadership roles evolving in Europe soon, and what can businesses do to support the growth of women in leadership positions?

The representation of women in leadership roles in Europe is expected to keep growing, driven by increasing social awareness and pressure for equality. To support this, companies can implement initiatives like mentoring programs and flexible work models to help women balance work and life. At LEG, we’ve had a mentoring program for women and young professionals since several years. Promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion, and highlighting successful women as role models, is also key. These efforts not only increase female leadership but also bring valuable diverse perspectives to businesses.

Ulrike Janssen, Managing Director, Leg-Immobilien-Gruppe

Ulrike Janssen’s dedication to sustainable and affordable living makes an important contribution to provide liveable apartments and neighbourhoods for hundreds of thousands of tenants across Germany. Her expertise not only enhances the organization’s operational excellence but also aligns with the long-term goals of social responsibility, decarbonization of the housing sector and growth.