The Häfele Group has announced a new CEO as it prepares to celebrate its 100th birthday. Sibylle Thierer spent 20 years at the helm of the Germany-based manufacturer and distributor of furniture fittings and architectural hardware, electronic access control systems and LED lighting. She is now handing over the role to Gregor Riekena, the company’s current MD, who will become the fifth CEO in Häfele’s history and only the second non-family CEO of the Häfele Group. Thierer will remain the chairperson of the board of directors, and integral to the future decision-making of the Group. The succession to Reikena will be completed by 1st January 2023.
Thierer is renowned in the industry for her championing of hardware and fitting systems, and their ability to bring furniture to life. Additionally, she promoted the importance of light in furniture and rooms, which led to Häfele developing its Loox and Nimbus ranges, both of which continue to inspire the industry with their innovation and capabilities.
Riekena joined Häfele as head of marketing in 2011 and became chief marketing officer in 2015. He has overseen the brand strategy of the Häfele Group, as well as the development of its global e-commerce platform. He is now making preparations to move Häfele into its next century of business, by spearheading its Corporate Strategy 2030 project.
Thierer said: “With this change at the top of the business, we are confidently underlining our launch into the next Häfele century. This is not about doing everything like we did before, it’s about the further development of the industry... As a Group, we have worked together to lay the foundation for shaping the future. During this intensive phase, it became clear that the time had come to hand over responsibility to Gregor. He has the best qualifications for the job, and I have complete confidence in him.”
Today Häfele has more than 8,000 employees and annual revenues of almost €2bn.
