Both Hennecke and Grünewaldt will start their new roles on 15 April 2026.

Travel retail and F&B specialist Smartseller has appointed Lars Hennecke as its new Managing Director, effective 15 April 2026, as current Managing Director Karl Grünewaldt transitions to a senior leadership role at Frankfurt Airport Retail (FAR).

Hennecke, who has been with Smartseller since its founding in 2020, will oversee the continued development of the company’s business model across small and medium-sized airports, alongside the international expansion of its portfolio. Most recently Head of Business Development, he has led key initiatives including the rollout of 24/7 self-service stores and The Tasting Room concept.

Florian Seidel, Chief Sales Officer at Gebr. Heinemann, said: “We are delighted that with Lars Hennecke, Smartseller is gaining a Managing Director with a strong focus on implementation and a pronounced partner orientation. His experience in developing new concepts, from self-service formats to locally-oriented store experiences, is exactly what we need for the next phase of growth. Lars started his career at Gebr. Heinemann eight years ago as a trainee and we are pleased to see his development within the Heinemann group continue with this next step.”

Monika Friedli-Walser, Chairwoman and Delegate of the Board of Directors of ORIOR, added: “Smartseller shows how the combination of travel retail and F&B can be scaled economically. With Lars Hennecke at the helm, the company is ideally positioned to roll out concepts more quickly and tap into new markets – always with a clear focus on efficiency, quality, and a harmonious travel experience.”

Hennecke succeeds Karl Grünewaldt, who will join FAR’s management board from the same date, replacing Gordana Schiel. Georg Fuhrmann will continue as Co-Managing Director.

Grünewaldt brings extensive travel retail experience to the role, having previously led smartseller’s development and built the business alongside its shareholders, including Gebr. Heinemann. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for FAR, with the upcoming opening of new retail space in Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport.

Karl-Heinz Dietrich, Senior Executive Vice President Retail and Properties at Fraport AG, said: “With Karl Grünewaldt, we are gaining an experienced leader who will strengthen our team in the best possible way, especially now as we approach an exciting time with the opening of Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport. Our thanks go to Gordana Schiel for her outstanding dedication.”

Seidel added: “We are delighted to have Karl join our team. With his many years of experience, gained both at Gebr. Heinemann and most recently at smartseller, Karl brings valuable expertise and fresh ideas to the FAR management team. At the same time, we are pleased that Gordana will continue to contribute her expertise from her time as Managing Director at various Heinemann locations to Gebr. Heinemann in the future.”

Frankfurt Airport Retail currently operates more than 30 shops across approximately 12,000 square metres of retail space, employing around 640 staff. The company is set to expand further with more than 3,000 square metres of additional retail space planned in the airport’s new Terminal 3.

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