Wiesbaden Honors Visionary Leader Thomas Michel with Germany’s Highest Civilian Award
Thomas Michel, chairman of the Wiesbaden Foundation, has received Germany’s Federal Cross of Merit, First Class. The honour recognises his decades of work in the city and the impact of the foundation he established in the early 2000s. Officials praised both his personal dedication and the lasting influence of his organisation.
Michel’s career began in business, taking over his family’s carpet shop on Wilhelmstraße in 1981. His presence in the city grew as the company became a local landmark. Later, he shifted his focus to civic engagement, founding the Wiesbaden Foundation with an endowment now worth around six million euros.
The foundation’s projects have since shaped the city’s cultural and educational landscape. Its best-known initiative, the Leonardo School Award, celebrates schools for innovative teaching and bold ideas. Other programmes include Reading Knights for literacy, local history projects, the Civic College for adult education, and support for young entrepreneurs. At a ceremony honouring Michel, Hesse’s Minister of Finance, Prof. Alexander Lorz, highlighted his civic spirit and determination. City Councilor Dr. Gerhard Obermayr, speaking as both an official and a friend, described Michel’s talent for easing tensions and uniting people. The Cross of Merit also acknowledges the wide network he built through the foundation. Michel will remain chairman until late 2027. After that, Dr. Alrun Luise Schößler, the foundation’s current managing director, is set to take over the role.
The award comes as Michel’s leadership continues to influence Wiesbaden’s development. The foundation’s work, from education to entrepreneurship, remains a key part of the city’s identity. His successor, Dr. Schößler, will inherit an organisation with deep roots and a clear mission.
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