Merkur Group has announced that its Founder, Paul Gauselmann, will step down as Chairman of the Management Board effective 1 October 2024, after leading the company for 67 years.
Gauselmann established the group in 1957, transforming it from a small, part-time operation into a global company with annual revenues of approximately €4bn ($4.4bn).
Lars Felderhoff, who has served as the company’s CFO since 2018, will assume the role of Chairman of the Management Board.
Felderhoff has a background in finance and commercial operations, having held previous roles at GTech (now IGT) and Metro Cash & Carry International.
His work with Merkur began in 2011 as Commercial Director of adp Merkur, overseeing commercial operations for over 40 companies within the group.
The leadership transition will see Jürgen Stühmeyer, responsible for sales and Manfred Stoffers, who oversees marketing and political affairs, taking on the roles of Vice-Chairs.
Gauselmann stated: “Mr Reinhard’s appointment as Board member responsible for Technology and Development ensures continuity in the area of development that is so important for the corporate group while also creating scope for fresh ideas.”
The change in leadership comes as part of a broader generational shift within the Gauselmann family. Michael Gauselmann, the Founder’s son, will become Chairman of the Supervisory Board and will also succeed his father as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
Michael Gauselmann has been with the group since 1982, contributing to its international expansion, including the establishment of the subsidiary Atronic in 1993.
Earlier this month, Christian Reinhard was appointed as a new Management Board member, responsible for Technology and Development. Reinhard succeeds Werner Kurt Schroer, who stepped down after 19 years due to health reasons but will remain with the company in an advisory capacity.
Reinhard brings over two decades of experience in automotive electronics development, having worked on technologies such as navigation systems and connected-car systems.
