New CEO of STARK Deutschland appointed

Michael Knüppel (born 1963) has more than 40 years of experience in the building materials industry, his most recent position being as Senior Vice President at Bauking in Germany, where he continuously and successfully honed the business model and managed the company’s operating, tactical and strategic development.

Michael Knüppel will continue to promote the STARK Group strategy in Germany with focus on being a strong partner for customers and suppliers as well as on themes like digitalisation and sustainability.

STARK Deutschland is the market leader in Germany’s building materials retail sector, featuring well-known brands such as Raab Karcher, Keramundo and Muffenrohr and has expanded its market position in the last two financial years delivering strong growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Michael Knüppel, one of the most distinguished top executives in German building materials trade, as new CEO in our German business. He will continue STARK Deutschland’s successful course initiated under Kåre O. Malo. Michael Knüppel has a broad range of experience, a great proximity to sales and excellent contacts. His large network in the German building materials market will support STARK Deutschland’s mission of bringing together all market participants”, says Søren Olesen, CEO of STARK Group and Chair of the Supervisory Board at STARK Deutschland GmbH.

Marc-Oliver Windbacher Also on 1 January, was appointed new Chief Human Resources Officer and will become a member of the management team, responsible for STARK Deutschland’s human resources. He will succeed Katja Steinweg who had a defining influence on STARK Deutschland in the reorganisation and transformation phase, as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

STARK Deutschland’s future management going forward will consist of, Michael Knüppel, CEO, Knut Söller, CFO, Timo Kirstein, CSO and Marc-Oliver Windbacher, CHRO.