Thorsten Klapprothwill assume the role of chairman of the executive board of Hansgrohe SE, taking over from Siegfried Gaensslen as the chief executive officer of the sanitary fixtures manufacturer. Prior to joining Hansgrohe, Klapproth successfully led Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) for 10 years.
“By bringing Thorsten Klapproth on board, we have been able to enlist a highly qualified CEO with long-standing and successful expertise in managing and developing top international companies. He will use this experience to the benefit of the company and the employees alike, and continue to consolidate Hansgrohe’s position,” says Klaus Grohe, chairman of the supervisory board of Hansgrohe SE. “Siegfried Gaensslen deserves our very special thanks. His vision, his entrepreneurial skills and his passion and commitment to Hansgrohe have been largely responsible for establishing our company as one of the industry’s few global players,” he said.
Klapproth commented, “In recent years, Hansgrohe has grown continuously, becoming one of the world’s leading bathroom and sanitation specialists. I very much look forward to working with a highly motivated team to continue the company’s success story.”
Gaensslen has been with Hansgrohe SE for 20 years, with more than six as the company’s CEO. Until May 2015 he will advise Keith Allman, CEO of the Masco Corp. on the conglomerate’s strategic orientation as international executive advisor.
