New faces at Conrad's top management: next generation takes over

Jrn Werner was appointed Conrad CEO as a result of Werner Conrad taking over the role of Chairman of the Administrative Board in early 2012. Werner was the first external CEO in the company's 90 years of history. Conrad explains: "Jrn Werner joined at a very crucial time. And turned out to be the perfect man for the job. He guided our company along the way to what it is today: a globally operating multi-channel retailer centred around eCommerc". Werner returns the compliment: "I am very proud of what we've all been able to achieve at Conrad over the past years. And I really enjoyed working with everyone."

Unlike his predecessor, the new CEO is from the company's own ranks: until now, Holger Ruban (44) has been responsible for Conrad Holdings' global business operations. Later this year, Bernhard Bach who retires from business will be succeeded by a female executive director, thus ensuring DoB continuity. Werner Conrad, who also recruited 27-year-old Lea-Sophie Cramer, CEO of Sonoma Internet GmbH, to the company's administrative board, says: "I am looking forward to welcoming our new female director to the board."

Appointing executive directors from within the company also set an example for all company employees: developing a senior management career at Conrad is both possible and encouraged. Further younger members of management will be appointed to executive positions in due course, to continue the company's success during the forthcoming years. In this context, newly appointed managing directors Klaus Mittermayr and James Bell who will look after Conrad Holdings' global business operations with effect from 1 May 2015; both came up through the company ranks.

Werner Conrad says: "We believe that keeping a proper balance between innovation and our long-established company values is the key to our company's ongoing success in the future. Which, in this day and age, isn't always easy. At the moment, we need to prioritise new approaches, without losing touch with our roots and core values." There's definitely new wind blowing through Conrad, and that not only in the boardroom: over the past 3 years, the company has invested EUR100m in business development.

Increased product range

This included expanding the B2B business, boosting cross-border and global operations and extending the company's logistics and distribution facilities based in Wernberg-Koeblitz, Germany. Moreover, the product range increased to 600,000 products. This includes also the extension of the private label assortment, such as VOLTCRAFT, TOOLCRAFT, C-Control, and renkforce. In 2014, Conrad joined forces with young entrepreneurs, product developers and start-ups across the technology sector with regards to prototyping, material sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, in-store and online distribution as well as a wide range of services. Recent releases are the WunderBar Internet of Things Starter Kit, developed by a Berlin-based start-up, and Patchblock Programmable Mini Synth Modules, with both products being distributed by Conrad. Further KIWI.KI key-less access system, partnering up with Hardware Accelerator, a communication platform for designers and inventers, and establishing HARDWARE.co electronics laboratories are three more examples of how Conrad is reframing its product development.

Conrad's Online Community platform was successfully launched in November last year, and will be continuously expanded during the forthcoming months. The company's customer-centric services, competent product advice and efficient multichannel retail operations have won Conrad multiple awards.

Werner Conrad, Chairman of the Administrative Board explains: "We are a globally trading family-owned business that supplies a huge range of products, and does not rely on external capital sourcing. Means, we feel adequately prepared for the challenges of the Digital Age. First and foremost, however, it's the dedication and commitment of our employees that really makes a difference."

For further information about the new Conrad Board of Directors please go to www.conrad.com.