● 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

Düsseldorf, 20th January 2020. 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.

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.

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