Monday, February 16, 2026
Häcker Kitchens has confirmed a planned leadership transition within its Export Sales Europe division as part of a broader restructuring of its European sales organisation. The move is intended to reinforce the company’s position in its core European markets and to prepare for the next phase of development across its home continent.
Export Sales Manager Europe Jörg Varnholt will leave the company at his own request in the summer of 2026. His departure forms one element of a comprehensive plan to strengthen the European sales structure and intensify close relationships with customers in key markets.
The reorganisation has been initiated. Responsibilities are being reviewed. Recruitment processes are underway.
Jörg Varnholt joined Häcker Kitchens on 1 January 2007. He initially oversaw the markets in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. In 2017, he was appointed Export Sales Manager Europe. In this role, he focused on developing markets across numerous European countries.
Over nearly two decades, the company’s position in several European territories was consolidated. Long-term partnerships were built. Sales structures were expanded.
Matthias Berens, Chief Sales Officer at Häcker Kitchens, acknowledged Varnholt’s contribution. He stated that Varnholt had played a decisive role in shaping European export sales over many years and thanked him for his commitment and loyalty.
The company’s established standing in other European markets is largely attributed to his sustained engagement and market expertise. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the firm’s export activities.
The leadership change coincides with a wider review of European sales management. Marcus Roth, formerly Sales Manager Germany & Austria, also left the company in late 2025. As a result, the responsibilities previously held by the Export Europe and Germany/Austria sales managers are being reassessed.
A clearer structure is being sought. Market development is to be targeted more precisely. Growth across Europe is to be driven in a focused manner.
The reorganisation underscores the importance of Europe as Häcker’s central sales region. A stronger local presence is intended. Decision-making processes are to be shortened. Closer exchange with business partners is to be intensified.
During the transition period, Thomas Klee, Sales Manager Asia & Middle East, will provide additional support to the European sales team. Continuity is being prioritised. Stability for partners and employees is being maintained.
Matthias Berens emphasised that the aim is to ensure a seamless transition. Customer relationships are to remain uninterrupted. Internal teams are to be supported throughout the change process.
The company expects the vacant sales management roles to be filled in due course. The objective is to maintain operational consistency while advancing strategic objectives.
Häcker Kitchens continues to focus on expanding its European market presence. Experience and continuity are combined with a forward-looking approach. The sales structure is being refined to support this trajectory.
Founded in 1898 by Hermann Häcker as a cabinetmaking business, the company has developed into a major European fitted kitchen manufacturer. It was taken over by Friedrich Häcker in 1938. In 1965, serial production of kitchen furniture was introduced by Horst Finkemeier and Renate Finkemeier, laying the foundation for the company’s modern growth.
Today, Häcker operates as an owner-managed family business. Production takes place at five facilities across two sites in Rödinghausen and Venne, Germany. Fitted kitchens are manufactured for a wide range of markets.
The company offers retail partners a comprehensive portfolio. Product lines include concept130 and systemat. Built-in kitchen appliances are marketed under the BLAUPUNKT and h│tech brands. Solutions are designed to address both value-oriented and premium segments.
Corporate culture remains values-driven. Reliability is emphasised. Responsibility is underlined. Long-term relationships with retail partners are central.
The European kitchen market remains competitive. Consumer expectations are evolving. Distribution structures continue to adapt.
Through its current sales reorganisation, Häcker Kitchens aims to sharpen its strategic focus on Europe. Market proximity is being strengthened. Growth opportunities are being targeted more clearly.
The forthcoming transition in export sales leadership is being positioned as a managed and orderly process. A smooth handover is intended. Clear points of contact are to be maintained.
With this step, Häcker Kitchens signals its commitment to sustained expansion across its European home market. The combination of established expertise and structural refinement is expected to support the next stage of development.
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Tags: European home market growth, European kitchen market strategy, fitted kitchen manufacturer, Häcker Kitchens, Häcker sales reorganisation 2026, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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