L-R: Johannes Sammann and Marvin von Plato.

Heinemann Asia Pacific CEO Marvin von Plato has decided to step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer as the group announces it will reorganise and consolidate its activities in the region.

Chief Operating Officer Johannes Sammann takes over responsibility for the management of Heinemann Asia Pacific as its new CEO, assisted by Chief Financial Officer Rajshree Dugar.

In a statement, Heinemann confirms the change of direction in the group’s regional activities in response to the significant reduction in Chinese consumer purchasing, coupled with depressed international passenger volumes.

Raoul Spanger, Co-CEO, Gebr. Heinemann.

‘Re-assessing the business’

It says the expected return of high-spending Chinese travellers has not materialised, nor is it foreseeable in the near future, in a scenario compounded by the Chinese government’s regulatory measures to pivot its focus towards domestic retail consumption.

“We currently see no return to the normalisation we long believed in and we will therefore re-assess the basis of our business in the region,” commented Raoul Spanger, Co-CEO, Gebr. Heinemann.

Von Plato said: “After almost ten years, a remarkable journey comes to an end. Leading this company with over 700 colleagues has been a privilege.

“I’m proud that we have increased Heinemann’s presence aross multiple countries and provided excellent services to our customers across this multi-faceted region.

“This was only possible due to the talent, dedication, and commitment of the people at Heinemann and our partners. I would like to sincerely thank the family and the management for their trust and wish everybody continued success for the next stage of the journey. Certainly, I will continue to have close ties with the company.”

Max Heinemann, Co-CEO and Owner, added: “Marvin succeeded me as CEO in Asia in 2017 due to his incredible commitment to the region, the family, but above all to the people and their personal development at Heinemann Asia Pacific.

“I understand his decision for a change and will always be thankful for his time and energy spent in and for our family business.”

Spanger added: “We have full confidence in Johannes’s and Rajshree’s ability to initiate the next steps of the consolidation.”

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