Thorsten Klapproth

In his presentation "Brand creates more value", Thorsten Klapproth talks about value enhancement and value creation at the traditional company WMF and gives an insight into the world of a professionally managed premium brand that successfully markets its wide range of products for end consumers and the catering trade via classic, advice-oriented sales channels despite increasing competitive pressure in a globalizing economy.

The WMF AG based in Geislingen (Steige), sees itself as a leading, internationally competent provider of products and services with a focus on the table and kitchen in the private and commercial sectors, which has a high-quality brand portfolio in Germany and increasingly sells its products internationally. The traditional company has state-of-the-art production facilities for cutlery, cookware, tableware, cutlery and coffee machines and is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. The small Plaquéfabrik Straub & Schweizer has grown into an internationally active group. With flexibility and forward-looking, often risk-taking decisions, WMF has stood its ground even in difficult economic times and is ideally equipped for the future as a modern, design-driven company.

Founded in 1853, the company sees itself as a supplier of branded products that meet the highest standards in terms of design, quality and practicality - worldwide. WMF is a leading supplier of professional catering equipment worldwide, with a strong market position, particularly in high-quality coffee machines. In 2005, WMF achieved a turnover of 578 million euros, with a foreign share of over 40%. It has production facilities in Germany, Switzerland and China, and sales companies in all major markets worldwide. It currently employs around 5,500 people.

Mr. Thorsten Klapproth began his career in management positions in sales and marketing at Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH and then moved to internal management consulting at Siemens AG. Before Thorsten Klapproth was appointed to the Management Board of WMF AG, he was responsible for sales, marketing and commercial tasks worldwide at Gaggenau Hausgeräte GmbH in Gaggenau/Baden.

Status: Beginning of 2007