As of 1 November 2024, Matthias Plötzke has assumed responsibility for the political affairs of the German Datacenter Association (GDA). In his role as Head of Public Affairs, he oversees internal opinion-forming processes and represents the association’s positions to political institutions at EU, federal, and state levels, with a particular focus on current legislative initiatives.
Extensive experience in association work and politics
Matthias Plötzke studied economics at the University of Kiel and brings over two decades of experience in association work to the table. His professional journey began in 1999 at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer, DIHK) in Berlin, before leading him to the Chamber of Commerce Abroad in London a year later. In 2003, he returned to Berlin to work at the Federation of German Industries (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie, BDI), where he managed transport and climate policy for the aviation and maritime sectors.
In 2008, he transitioned to the German Shipowners’ Association (Verband Deutscher Reeder, VDR), taking on responsibility for the association’s energy and climate policy. In 2017, he returned to Berlin to join the German Association of Medium-Sized Energy Companies (Verband Mittelständische Energiewirtschaft Deutschland, MEW), where he became managing director in 2019. In 2022, he moved to UNITI, the Federal Association of Medium-Sized Energy Companies (Bundesverband EnergieMittelstand), where he developed the association’s European political networks and connections until 2024.
With his extensive expertise, Matthias Plötzke will play a key role in shaping the GDA’s political positioning and actively contributing to the future of the industry.
"I am impressed by the dynamic growth and future prospects of the data center industry. The rapid rise of digital applications across all economic and social areas is remarkable," says Matthias Plötzke. "To enable a swift and successful digital transformation, it is all the more important to create the right political framework. The GDA is a strong voice at the intersection of digitalisation, location development, and energy policy. I look forward to working with the team and members to create future-proof conditions for the industry."
