Press releases

28.01.10

Chairman of Executive Board resigns his posts

Successor will be top agribusiness manager Hartwig Fuchs

Braunschweig, 28 January 2010

The Chairman of the Executive Board of Nordzucker AG, Hans-Gerd Birlenberg, yesterday resigned his posts as a Member of the Executive Board and as Chairman of the Executive Board of Nordzucker AG. The decision was reached with the agreement of the company's Supervisory Board and will take effect on 31 January 2010. The reason for Hans-Gerd Birlenberg's departure is differences of opinion concerning the future strategic focus and management of the company. It is against this background that Hans-Gerd Birlenberg requested to be relieved of his duties. The Supervisory Board acceded to this request at its meeting yesterday. The Supervisory Board thanked him for his service with Nordzucker, which had contributed greatly to the success of the company.

At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board announced the appointment of his successor: Hartwig Fuchs, until recently Chairman of the Managing Board of Alfred C. Toepfer International GmbH, Hamburg. Hartwig Fuchs will take up his new post on 1 February 2010.

Departure unavoidable

Dr. Harald Isermeyer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Nordzucker AG, explains: "Hans-Gerd Birlenberg was the driving-force behind the acquisition of Nordic Sugar, a truly groundbreaking venture for Nordzucker, and in so doing demonstrated his outstanding skills and qualities as a manager. Yet continuing this course, Nordzucker now needs to systematically focus its attention on the future. In a market environment which is characterized by dynamic development and which is increasingly challenging, especially in terms of profitability, the crucial factors are unity and solidarity in all key corporate decision-making. In view of this situation, the most sensible solution for both parties is to go our different ways. On behalf of the Supervisory Board I would like to thank Hans-Gerd Birlenberg for his services to the company and wish him all the very best for the future."

Hartwig Fuchs: wide-ranging industry experience on an international scale

Hartwig Fuchs, who will be taking up his new post as head of Europe's second largest sugar producer on 1 February 2010 and who is held in high regard internationally, is an experienced top manager from the agribusiness sector. Aged 50, Hartwig Fuchs began his working life with the Toepfer Group, an internationally esteemed agribusiness company, in 1979. In the course of his career he has held numerous management posts within the Group. By serving the company for lengthy periods abroad, Hartwig Fuchs demonstrated his competencies in an international context and gained invaluable intercultural experience and know-how. The new CEO of Nordzucker was a Member of the Management Board of Toepfer International from 2005 onward before being appointed head of that Group in 2007.

Business and cultural affinity with Nordzucker

Dr. Harald Isermeyer adds: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Hartwig Fuchs who, thanks to his almost 30 years' experience in the agricultural sector, has a close affinity with our company and its products right from the outset. He has also demonstrated that not only can he lead a group of companies of the magnitude of Nordzucker but can also guide it to lasting business success. He has the right prerequisites for his new post at Nordzucker in terms of not only know-how but also mindset and culture. We look forward to working with him at Nordzucker in a dynamic and challenging market environment. “

 

Also available now: Quarterly Report 03/09

 

The Nordzucker Group, with its headquarters in Braunschweig/Germany, is Europe’s second biggest sugar producer, with a market share of 15.4 per cent. The company also produces other products, in particular, bioethanol and animal feed from sugar beet. The acquisition of Nordic Sugar (previously Danisco Sugar) in March 2009 strengthened this leading position further. With 17 sugar factories in eight countries across Europe, as well as two refineries for raw cane sugar, Nordzucker boasts an efficient technical, distribution and geographical structure - the platform for more success in future. On the basis of sugar production of around 1.7 million tonnes, Nordzucker generated sales of around Euro 1.2 billion in the 2008/09 financial year (excluding Nordic Sugar). The Group-wide workforce of nearly 5000 is committed to deliver excellent products and services.

 

Press release as PDF

If you have any questions please contact Mr Heiner Reiners
Fon: +49 531 2411-347
Mail: heiner.reiners@nordzucker.de

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