In Germany, as in other modern societies, a low representation of women in top positions remains a stable form of gender inequality in the labour market. This article examines the extent to which a partner's labour market and financial resources influence gender-specific probabilities of obtaining a leadership position. Well-established theories are examined that provide different assumptions as to how partners' resources can affect occupational careers. This article adds to the existing body of research by applying a relational perspective on couples' resources. To resolve the research question, data from the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) study (waves 1984-2010) are used in a longitudinal design employing event history analysis (N = 11,050 men and N = 8,988 women). The results show that partners' relative resources play a significant role in the promotion to the top: Whereas for women their own comparative advantage is particularly important, especially for men higher resources of the partner are beneficial. The results can be explained by negotiation processes as well as with a transfer of social capital. Additionally, both genders profit from homogamous partnership constellations. Overall, women's chances of gaining a leadership position appear to be more determined by partners' relative resources than it is the case for men.