Matthias Berninger

Matthias Berninger is an executive and former German politician whose career spans government, global consumer goods, and life sciences. Berninger served four terms in the German Federal Parliament as a Green Party representative for Hesse, focusing on agricultural reform, trade policy, food safety, and renewable energy. He was appointed vice-minister for the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Nutrition and Agriculture and led the Green Party in Hessen, running political campaigns at both federal and state levels. After leaving government, Berninger served as his parliamentary group's spokesperson on economic policy. This grounding in policy and public affairs positioned Berninger to bridge the gap between government priorities and corporate strategy.

Following his departure from politics, Berninger joined Mars in Europe to build a public affairs team and facilitate the development of Mars' health and nutrition strategy. As global head of public policy for Mars Incorporated, he led a team to develop a cocoa sustainability strategy for the corporation. He later led the global public affairs organization and contributed to Mars' sustainability strategy, including leadership on climate change and establishing sustainability key performance indicators for the Mars leadership circle. His twelve years at Mars established Berninger as a leading voice on corporate sustainability and global public affairs.

As executive vice president of public affairs, sustainability, and safety for Bayer globally, Berninger has strengthened Bayer's global public affairs practice and leads the development and implementation of a global sustainability strategy. He also serves as the human rights officer for the Bayer Group, reporting to the CEO. Berninger is a member of the advisory board of the Hans & Berthold Finkelstein Foundation and the board of trustees for the Bayer Cares Foundation. His work navigating complex issues in the life sciences and agriculture sectors, including glyphosate debates and post-Monsanto integration, has established him as an influential corporate communicator.

Berninger is a frequent speaker at international forums on sustainability, food systems, and climate action. He has discussed corporate climate action at COP27 and has appeared at events including the Milken Institute Global Conference, Aspen Ideas Festival, and DLD Nature. Sustainability, nutrition, agriculture, health, and science have been the focus of his work, drawing on experience as a member of the German Bundestag and as head of public affairs at Mars. Berninger's trajectory from elected Green Party lawmaker to global corporate executive positions him as a credible voice on the intersection of policy, business, and planetary sustainability.