Sandro Wiggerich

First Deputy Mayor, City of Unna

Currently based in: Unna, Germany

MJur, University of Oxford (2016)

Talk to me about: Public administration; Local government; Public-sector leadership; Legal careers in Germany; Career transitions

Sandro completed an MJur in 2017 and is now First Deputy Mayor of the City of Unna, Germany. In this senior executive role, he is responsible for a wide range of municipal services and infrastructure, as well as major long-term strategies on urban development, climate action, mobility, culture, and the digital transformation of public services.

Before moving into local government, Sandro practised as a corporate lawyer at leading international law firms, where he advised on complex transactions and regulatory matters, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He subsequently moved into public administration, where he led a government unit responsible for delivering emergency financial support to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandro continues to combine public-sector leadership with academic interests and is co-author of a textbook on municipal law.

Advice to St Cross students: Throw yourself into Oxford beyond the library: the friendships, College life, and unexpected opportunities will shape you as much as your degree. And stay open to where your education may take you - it can lead you in directions you never expected.

If you would like to be put in touch with Sandro, please contact development@stx.ox.ac.uk