Dr Frank Hiller, CEO of Big Dutchman AG, has asked the Supervisory Board to release him from his duties with effect from 30 September 2024 for personal reasons. The Supervisory Board has agreed to this request. Dr Hiller will continue to support the management team and Supervisory Board in an advisory capacity in the coming months.

Bernd Meerpohl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Big Dutchman: “We respect and regret Dr Hiller’s decision. On behalf of the shareholders and the supervisory Board, I would like to thank him for the impetus he contributed during his time as CEO to help us achieve further sustainable growth. We wish Dr Hiller and his family all the best for the future.”

Dr Frank Hiller: “My thanks to the Supervisory Board for accepting and respecting my decision to prioritise personal matters. With its dedicated management team and highly motivated employees, I am certain that Big Dutchman will overcome the challenges of the future.”

The Supervisory Board has asked Bernd Meerpohl to step in as interim CEO of Big Dutchman until Dr Hiller’s successor has been found.

Bernd Meerpohl: “We don’t want to wait until we have found a new CEO, hence we will continue to implement the initiatives we have already started.”

Jürgen Steinemann, who is currently Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, will serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Board during the interim period.

Jürgen Steinemann: “The Supervisory Board would like to thank Bernd Meerpohl for stepping in in the current situation. We know that the company will be in good hands during the transition period with him. We have already begun the search for a successor to Dr Hiller.”