Antje von Dewitz receives the Federal Order of Merit from the Federal President
- Highest recognition for the common good
- Role models for living the values of democracy honored
Tettnang, 01.10.2024 - On October 1, Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director of VAUDE, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace in Berlin. This honor recognizes her commitment as a "family entrepreneur, environmentalist, defender of human rights and role model for sustainable and social entrepreneurship in the textile industry" at the highest level of government. As part of the Day of German Unity, a total of 28 citizens received this award for their outstanding commitment to the values of democracy.
The Order of Merit, also known as the Federal Cross of Merit, is the highest recognition awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good. It is awarded for political, economic-social and intellectual achievements. The award, which this year has the motto "Living the values of democracy", goes to people who make an important contribution to mutual understanding and social dialog in Germany. "It is a great honor for me and I am very moved to receive this award," says Antje von Dewitz. "Above all, I see it as recognition of the great work of our entire team at VAUDE." At the award ceremony in Berlin, Antje von Dewitz was accompanied by her entire family, her partner Wolfgang Ungelert and their four children.
Role model for sustainable entrepreneurship
Under Antje von Dewitz's leadership, VAUDE has developed into a pioneer for sustainable business far beyond the outdoor industry. The Federal President's Office recognizes her commitment with the words: "Family businesswoman, environmentalist, defender of human rights - these are not contradictions for Antje von Dewitz. Under her leadership as Managing Director, the outdoor clothing and sports equipment company Vaude has committed itself to climate neutrality, environmental protection and high social standards in the supply chain. She has thus become a role model for sustainable and social entrepreneurship in the textile and clothing industry. She is also committed to integrating refugees through employment and is a co-founder of the business initiative "Bleiberecht durch Arbeit" (Right to stay through work). Antje von Dewitz is also involved in many honorary positions. For example, she was Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the German Federal Environmental Foundation for ten years and is a board member of the German Sustainable Economy Association." In addition to Antje von Dewitz, well-known personalities such as Alena Buyx, Chairwoman of the German Ethics Council, soccer coach Jürgen Klopp and actor Gerhard Polt were also honored.
Joint celebration with the whole team
"I accepted this special award on behalf of all of us at VAUDE. Because what I have been honored for is our joint achievement. I would like to share and celebrate this with you," says Antje von Dewitz. After her return from Berlin, she will celebrate with the whole team at the VAUDE headquarters in Tettnang in southern Germany.