Kitchens and ceramics brand Villeroy & Boch has announced that Gabi Schupp will take over from Frank Göring as chief executive with effect from January 1, 2024.
Earlier this month, Villeroy & Boch signed a deal to acquire Ideal Standard thereby creating a combined company that will rank as one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of bathroom products.
Schupp previously headed up the Dining & Lifestyle Division of the company and over five years worked with her management team to put the division on “sound, sustainable ground, both structurally and commercially”, resulting in a significant rise in sales during in a “challenging environment”.
Commenting on her appointment, Andreas Schmid, chairman of the Villeroy & Boch supervisory board, said: “I am very happy that by appointing Gabi Schupp we have a highly successful and skilled manager from within our own ranks to take on this great responsibility.
“She has many years of wide-ranging experience leading global brands and managing complex acquisitions processes, which means she has what it takes to continue the growth trajectory launched by Frank Göring and bring the integration of Ideal Standard to a successful conclusion. The supervisory board has no doubt that Gabi Schupp, together with the management board and all employees, will lead Villeroy & Boch to continued future success.”
Before Schupp joined Villeroy & Boch, she spent more that 20 years in a variety of executive roles at Procter & Gamble.
The supervisory board has also extended Dr Markus Warncke’s contract as chief financial officer for another three years from January 1, 2024.
“Markus Warncke has successfully guided the Villeroy & Boch finances through the demanding last few years and laid the foundations for the sound financing underpinning the previously announced takeover of Ideal Standard, for which he will now continue to assume responsibility,” said Schmid.
Current CEO Frank Göring’s contract will end on December 31 this year after which he plans to dedicate more time to private interests.
Speaking of Göring’s achievements at Villeroy & Boch, Schmid said: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank Göring, after 26 years with the company. Since 2007, he has put his heart and soul into leading the business through internationalisation and digitalisation processes, taking Villeroy & Boch to new levels in terms of revenue. We are delighted that he will continue to support us with his expertise during the integration of Ideal Standard.”