December 17 2020  |  People

Kay Spanger says farewell after 40 years

By Laura Shirk

Marking the end of an era, after more than four successful decades working at Gebr. Heinemann in a number of roles, Spanger will retire to pursue personal interests and activities

At the end of this year, an era will come to an end at Gebr. Heinemann: after more than four successful decades Kay Spanger will close the chapter of his professional life, which he began in 1979, as an apprentice at the Hamburg trading company. His successor, Dr Dirk Schneider, took over the position of Chief Commercial Officer from him on September 1, 2020. Spanger will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity until the end of December before retiring.

“With Kay Spanger we bid farewell to a real symbolic figure. He has shaped our company and the entire travel retail industry with his passion and enthusiasm like few others in this long period of time,” says Max Heinemann, CEO, Gebr. Heinemann.

For more than 20 years, Spanger has been responsible for the purchasing and logistics departments and in the time before that he had worked in almost all other areas of the company. Following his move to the purchasing department of perfume and cosmetics, he played a major role in establishing the new category for the company. Around this time, he brought his brother, Raoul, into the family business, who is still responsible for sales at Gebr. Heinemann as Chief Operating Officer.

“Above all, he is a 'Heinemann' with all his heart. If there is one person who embodies our company value 'We persevere' in a special way, it is Kay Spanger. On behalf of the entire owner family and the executive board, we would like to thank him for a great cooperation based on trust and his outstanding contribution to our business,” adds Gunnar Heinemann, Co-owner, Gebr. Heinemann.

At the top of his to do list: spending more time with his family, friends and dogs and becoming more involved in environmental projects

“The support of the owners as well as my colleagues from the executive board and all Heinemann employees worldwide has enabled me to accompany this firm up to this point. What I really appreciate is the freedom that has always been given to me in every respect and the trust that has been placed in me.

I would like to personally tell my brother, Raoul, how proud I am that we have worked together for such a long time for the benefit of the company. A special thank you also goes to our suppliers, who are representing the most beautiful brands in the world. The mutual trust and openness during our cooperation are the foundation of the success we have achieved together,” shares Spanger.

After more than 40 years at Gebr. Heinemann and close cooperation with three generations of owners, Spanger is entering a new phase, which he looks forward to with great anticipation. He plans to spend more time with his family, friends and dogs. As an environmental advocate, the retired manager also wants to become more involved in projects aligned with the mission of “Clean up Svalbad.”

He will remain loyal to the perfume industry and continue to serve on the supervisory boards of two perfume distributors in Germany and Scandinavia, where he will contribute his long history of experience.

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