New Management Structure for LIXIL EMENA and GROHE

• Stefan Gesing, CFO to leave Grohe AG
• Thomas Fuhr and Jonas Brennwald to lead GROHE brand and focus also on international LIXIL role
• New executive teams for Commercial and Technical operations established to accelerate progress

Amman:. GROHE, a leading global brand for full bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, today announced a new organization structure to accelerate progress and drive a deeper focus around commercial and technical operations. 

The new management team for Grohe AG within LIXIL EMENA will consist of Thomas Fuhr and Jonas Brennwald, serving on the management board of Grohe AG. Brennwald, who will also serve as CEO, LIXIL Water Technology EMENA, will lead all commercial aspects for the brand and the EMENA region for LIXIL. Fuhr will be responsible for all technical operations for GROHE, while also serving as COO, Fittings, LIXIL International. Each will be supported by an executive team, focused on commercial and technical operations, respectively. These leadership appointments and announcements are effective immediately.

“LIXIL is made up of many individual brands, each in a different way, but all with the same purpose to make a better home a reality for everyone, everywhere. Our global GROHE brand is a key driver for outstanding growth. I am pleased to have Thomas Fuhr and Jonas Brennwald help to further drive the integration of the GROHE manufacturing, technology and commercial assets into LIXIL to ensure a continuous growth in the EMENA region.” says Bijoy Mohan, CEO LIXIL International.

The Executive Team “Technology” supporting Thomas Fuhr will be focusing on the international technology organization within LIXIL International and consist of

• Christian Götter, Finance
• Torsten Meier, Research and Development
• Jens Harder, Operations
• Jens Hildebrand, Human Resources

Jonas Brennwald Executive Team “Commercial” will be responsible on all customer and consumer facing activities across the EMENA region for LIXIL consisting of:

• Karsten Nieters, Finance
• Gerhard Sturm, Marketing
• Olivier Steenaert, Human Resources

Jonas Brennwald and Thomas Fuhr add: “We are pleased to have such a fantastic team of experts supporting out technology and commercial strategy to further develop synergies globally bringing together all of our strengths and enhance our business’ competitiveness.”

In the context of said changes, Stefan Gesing, Chief Financial Officer has decided to leave GROHE and will pursue new opportunities outside. “A big thank you to Stefan Gesing. Under his Leadership he set new examples in finance management and controlling within GROHE. We wish him all the best for the future.” says Thomas Fuhr, COO Fittings LIXIL International and Management Board Member of Grohe AG.

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About Thomas Fuhr:

Thomas Fuhr took over the position of CEO Grohe AG in July 2019. In adition he serves as COO Fittings LIXIL International, being responsible for Production, Procurement, Logistics, Quality, Technology and Research & Development. He joined the GROHE Brand in 2013 as Executive Director Operations. Prior to his role at GROHE Thomas Fuhr spent 22 years with Mercedes-Benz. He worked in a broad range of roles in development, manufacturing, quality, logistics and purchasing in Germany, India, USA and the UK.

About Jonas Brennwald:

Jonas Brennwald took over the position as Deputy CEO Grohe AG in July 2019, also serving as CEO LWT EMENA. Since joining GROHE in 2012, Jonas Brennwald has been managing various sales regions for GROHE, most recently as Chief Sales Officer. Prior to joining GROHE, he has held numerous management positions with major brands, including Mars, Ecolab, Goodyear Dunlop, and the automotive supplier Dorman.

More information at: www.grohe.com  

About GROHE

GROHE is a leading global brand for full bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings and has a total of over 6,000 employees, 2,400 of which are based in Germany. GROHE has been part of the LIXIL Group Corporation since 2014. As an international brand, GROHE pursues the brand values of technology, quality, design and sustainability, seeking to offer the “Pure Freude an Wasser”. GROHE has been developing new product categories since its inception. This includes the GROHE Blue and Red water systems and the recently-introduced GROHE Sense water security system, which is an innovative component in the growth market of smart home technology. Innovation, design and development are closely aligned with one another and are enshrined in the German site as an integrated process. As a result, GROHE products carry the seal of quality “Made in Germany”. In the past ten years alone, more than 300 design and innovation awards as well as several top rankings at the German Sustainability Award have confirmed GROHE's success. GROHE was the first in its industry to win the German government’s CSR prize and was also featured in the renowned Fortune® magazine’s ranking of Top 50 that are “Changing the World”.

About LIXIL

LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve every day, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM. With approximately 75,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com  

© Press Release 2020