Long-serving department head Joachim Kolbe retires at the end of 2025

Joachim Kolbe will retire from Langen’s town hall at the end of 2025 after nearly five decades of service. His departure marks the close of a long career that reshaped the city’s cultural and administrative landscape. Sebastian Hauf has been named as his successor in leading Department 4.

Kolbe first joined Langen’s administration in 1977. By late 1982, he was handling press and public relations. His early work included developing a data-protection-compliant method for the 1983 census, which gained attention across Germany.

In early 1987, he shifted to the organisation and IT department. There, he introduced the city’s first computers, modernising administrative processes. Two years later, he took charge of cultural affairs, transforming the old district court into the Kulturhaus Altes Amtsgericht. His role expanded in 1993 when he became head of the Culture and Sports Office. Later, as deputy department head, he oversaw multiple sectors. Since 2014, he has led the Department of Urban Development, Economy, Culture, and Sports. Under his guidance, the city saw new projects like the Neue Stadthalle, updated swimming pools, Ironman competitions, museums, and sports centres. Mayor Jan Werner described Kolbe as an ‘absolute stroke of luck’ for Langen. His retirement on 31 December 2025 will end a career that began when he was just 20 years old. Sebastian Hauf, previously in charge of economic development and city marketing in Groß-Gerau, will take over the department.

Kolbe’s retirement concludes a 48-year tenure marked by major cultural and administrative changes. His successor, Sebastian Hauf, will now lead Department 4, overseeing urban development, the economy, culture, and sports. The transition follows Kolbe’s long-standing influence on Langen’s growth and infrastructure.