In light of the transition to the fifth family generation, Max Heinemann, son of Co-owner Gunnar Heinemann, will take over the role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Group and will become Speaker of the Executive Board. Father Gunnar and uncle Claus Heinemann continue to form the Advisory Board of the family business.
Max Heinemann will be responsible for Global HR, Corporate Development & Strategy and Corporate Affairs. Heading Gebr. Heinemann’s worldwide activities the Executive Board will be completed by Raoul Spanger (Chief Operations Officer), responsible for the impairment and steering of the group’s sales-, partner- and customer portfolios and the development of the operational business in all countries across all channels. Kay Spanger (Chief Commercial Officer), responsible for the provision of market specific product ranges and the management of all cross divisional commercial and logistical services, and Stephan Ernst (Chief Financial Officer), responsible for the group’s financial independence and integrity as well as the provision of system based process support and solutions. On the occasion of the new management structure the entire corporate structure is further developed. The goal: Gebr. Heinemann wants to work even closer to the market, even faster and more efficiently.
„We are introducing the new C-Level-structure and implement structural changes without being forced to do so. We do not react to external changes – or external market drivers that force us to adapt,” says Max Heinemann. Claus Heinemann, Co-Owner of Gebr. Heinemann adds: “What matters most is our direction in shaping the ‘next generation’ fit for the future, fit for shaping Duty Free and Travel Retail.” Gunnar Heinemann: “What makes us unique is that we change with a growth mindset and in full alignment with our 139 years’ history. This is a strong foundation for rethinking and changing. The driver for ‘change’ are we, ourselves. And we act out of strength.“
The structural change and directional decision regarding the future organization – which stands for global growth, sensible synergies and sustainability – is fueled by the creation of one central sales area with former distribution and retail under the COO, divided into four major geographical divisions, headed by four Vice Presidents (VPs): 1. Florian Seidel (VP Nordics, Central & Western Europe), 2. Richard Hoyer (VP EECA, Near East, Turkey & Africa), 3. Marvin von Plato (VP/CEO Asia Pacific) and 4. Nadine Heubel (VP/CEO The Americas). This new regional structure will even stronger enable the global thinking and direction of the company. Further to this, the company will see the introduction of the Vice President Purchasing under the CCO, which shall further strengthen and support the strategic management and activities across all categories globally.
About Gebr. Heinemann
Gebr. Heinemann is one of the top players on the international travel retail market and the leader on the European market. It is the only family-run business among the global players of the travel retail industry. As a distributor, Gebr. Heinemann supplies more than 1,000 customers in over 100 countries. In the retail sector, the company operates more than 330 Heinemann Duty Free & Travel Value shops, fashion label boutiques under license and concept shops at 79 airports in 29 countries, along with shops at border crossings and aboard cruise liners. The company has been designing its Duty Free & Travel Value Shops since 2008 in accordance with an exceptional brand concept. Today, the Heinemann Duty Free brand is present at numerous airports worldwide and operates its biggest Airport Duty Free shop in Sydney.
