Villeroy & Boch secures succession in the finance division well in advance

Villeroy & Boch AG is setting the course for the future: after twelve successful years on the Executive Board, Chief Financial Officer Dr Markus Warncke will step down from his post upon the expiry of his contract on 31 December 2026. To ensure a seamless transition, Mr Patrick Grundke will be appointed to the Executive Board effective 1 October 2026.

Patrick Grundke will work closely with Dr Markus Warncke for the first three months before taking over responsibility for the finance division, as well as for sustainability, environmental management and real estate, effective 1 January 2027.

“We would like to thank Dr Markus Warncke today for his outstanding, exceptionally dedicated and consistently loyal work, and for his long-standing commitment to our company, where he has served successfully for more than 25 years. He has played a key role in shaping the development of our company and has shown great dedication to its interests. For this, he deserves our respect and recognition,” explains Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Villeroy & Boch AG. “At the same time, I look forward to working with Patrick Grundke in the future. In him, we are gaining an internationally experienced finance and industry expert. Over the coming months, we will ensure a smooth and structured handover within the department.”

Prior to his appointment to the Executive Board of Villeroy & Boch AG, Patrick Grundke served as Group CFO for the Viega Group. He has more than 25 years’ experience in global metals and industrial companies, such as ThyssenKrupp. His professional career spans both family-run and listed companies and is complemented by his experience as a member of supervisory boards.