The German economy is at a demographic turning point. With the retirement of the baby boomer generation, succession issues are intensifying, while at the same time the competition for managers is shifting. Particularly in focus: managers over 50. For a long time, this age cohort was considered a risk group for unemployment. Today, it is increasingly proving to be an indispensable resource – albeit with significant industry differences and clear competence profiles.

Employment Trends: Stable Integration, Longer Transitions

The employment rate of 55 to 64-year-olds in Germany is now around 75%. Highly qualified 60 to 64-year-olds even continue to work more often than average. It is striking that older people lose their jobs less often, but take longer to re-enter the labour market in the event of unemployment.

Industry comparison: Where experience is the trump card – and where less so

• Health and Social Affairs: Bottlenecks are the most severe, high demand for regulatory knowledge and personnel management.
• Public administration and education: Waves of retirements create space for experienced managers.
• Industry: Transformation pressure creates demand for change and turnaround leadership.
• Construction, energy, technical services: Project experience, security, approval processes are rare and valuable.
• Trade and logistics: Experience counts, but digital skills are increasingly decisive.
• Start-ups and digital growth industries: Focus on current tech stacks and scaling experience – selective access for 50+.

Industry Matrix: Opportunities for Executives 50+

Case studies

Case 1: Transformation in mechanical engineering

A 58-year-old production board member stabilizes a medium-sized company during a sales crisis through lean management and initiates a digitization project at the same time.

Case 2: Interim manager in hospital administration

A 61-year-old managing director successfully steers the merger of two clinics. Their knowledge of billing, staff retention and quality standards prevents operational problems.

Result

Today, the 50+ generation is no longer on the fringes, but at the center of the German

Executive Pension. Experience, resilience and the power to transform are their strongest trump cards. Those who combine these with targeted digital updates will remain indispensable in the competition for the best minds.