Paul Gauselmann retires after 67 years. Merkur Group appoints new chairman

Founder Steps Down After 67 Years

Paul Gauselmann, the founder of the Merkur Group, is set to retire as Management Board Chairman on 1 October after 67 years of leading the company. Under his guidance, the group evolved from a part-time one-man business into an international conglomerate in the gaming industry, boasting total sales revenues of around 4 billion euros and employing approximately 15,000 people.

Gauselmann remarked, “I have consistently devoted my energy to the company’s welfare, and at the same time to the benefit of our approximately 15,000 employees. Now the time has come to entrust my life’s work to the younger generation.”

Lars Felderhoff Assumes Chairmanship

Stepping into the role of Chairman is Lars Felderhoff, the current CFO of the Merkur Group. At 48, Felderhoff has been overseeing the group’s finances and organisation since 2018. His experience includes positions at Atronic, GTech (now IGT), and Metro Cash & Carry International, providing him with a solid background in both the gaming industry and international business operations.

Felderhoff acknowledged the significant responsibility ahead, stating, “The challenge is immense… However, the company is robust and agile enough to continue setting new benchmarks in the future.”

Felderhoff will be supported by Vice-Chairs Jürgen Stühmeyer and Manfred Stoffers. Stühmeyer, who has been with the company for 37 years, has been instrumental in shaping the sales strategy and commercial success of the Merkur division since 2007. Stoffers joined the group in 2011 and became the Management Board member responsible for marketing, communications, and political affairs in 2015.

Generational Shift in Supervisory Board

In conjunction with the executive changes, a generational shift is occurring at the supervisory level. Michael Gauselmann, son of the founder, will assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board, succeeding Manfred Grünewald.

With a degree in business administration and a career in the group starting in 1982, Michael has contributed significantly to the company’s international expansion, notably by establishing the subsidiary Atronic in 1993. He will also take over as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation, which is pivotal in strategic decision-making as the sole shareholder of the group.

Paul Gauselmann will remain connected to the company as a member of the Gauselmann Family Foundation, ensuring his expertise continues to influence strategic decisions.

He expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating, “We have accomplished this very well and are ideally positioned for the future, particularly as my son Michael, both a member of the Gauselmann family and an experienced entrepreneur, will continue to be involved in the most critical decisions.”