"Michael Antonopoulos is the ideal successor. He has our trust and has been with the company for more than 12 years, seven of them as CEO," says Werner Kieser. "Nils Planzer, we have come to know and appreciate during his years of commitment to the Supervisory Board of Kieser Training. He has already successfully completed the transition from one generation to the next in his own company."

Werner Kieser, the founder of the company, will continue to act as mentor and provider of new ideas. He will also support the development of new processes and machines and have a representative role. Gabriela Kieser will succeed her husband as Chair of the Board. She has been with Kieser Training since 1990 and, together with her husband, has built up the company. She will provide support with strategic and medical issues. "This is a unique opportunity; a longstanding CEO prepared to take on the company and a longstanding Board member able to support him," she says. "I cannot think of better successors."

"During the last 50 years, Werner und Gabriela Kieser have formed the company into a showcase for the industry," says CEO Michael Antonopoulos. "We will continue to take care of the company and its strong brand, maintaining all its rigour and clarity."

"My commitment to Kieser Training is personal," says Nils Planzer, who has been a member of the Board for five years. During this time, he has had the opportunity to get to know the company. "I am doing this as a private individual and not as part of my role as CEO of Planzer. Planzer remains Planzer and Kieser remains Kieser."

Source: Kieser Training AG
Pictures: Kieser Training AG