GERMANY - On the occasion of its 100th birthday, the international Häfele group of companies is getting fit for the next century with a groundbreaking personnel decision.

After 20 years at the helm of the innovative specialist for furniture and construction fittings, electronic locking systems and LED lighting, Sibylle Thierer (CEO) is handing over the presidency of the management board to 45-year-old Managing Director Gregor Riekena.

"With this change at the top, we are confidently entering the next Häfele century," Thierer says. Thierer will continue as chair of the board of directors.

Riekena is only the second non-family CEO of the Häfele Group. He started at Häfele in 2011 as marketing manager and has since become its chief marketing officer.

Häfele, says Thierer, is well prepared for the upcoming changes with its traditionally successful combination of continuity and innovation. The family company employs nearly 8,000 people worldwide and has sales of close to two billion euros annually.

The growth from 500 million euros in annual sales to today's almost 2 billion in 20 years shows that Häfele has chosen the right path. And because the Häfele family always looks to the future with courage and optimism, they already have their sights set on the third billion.