Nuremberg 28.01.2016

GfK increases client focus in Germany with a new integrated corporate structure

Nuremberg, January 28, 2016 – GfK is changing its corporate structure in Germany with effect from April 1, 2016. The business currently consists of two separate entities, but these are being combined to enable GfK Germany to offer its range of services in a more integrated manner in the future. The operational activities of its two sectors will be consolidated into a more effective single entity. Michael Müller has been appointed Managing Director of GfK Germany.

The organizational changes mark a further step in GfK's global strategic restructuring, with Germany following the lead taken by other countries to manage the two sectors closer together. Michael Müller will be the first Managing Director in Germany to be responsible for both sectors.

Under Müller's direction, the operational activities of the two sectors, Consumer Experiences and Consumer Choices, will be combined to make business operations even more effective for clients.

GfK has also strengthened its management of key industries and product areas by reorganizing its Management Board with effect from January.

In April, Siegfried Högl will assume global, cross-sector responsibility for business with clients from the automotive industry. Over the last four years, Högl has been instrumental in driving the implementation of GfK's strategy in Germany, and has introduced a matrix structure for the Consumer Experiences sector with clear responsibilities for products and industries.

Wolfgang Wanders, whose present responsibilities include managing part of the Consumer Choices business in Germany, will be put in charge of the global Point of Sales Measurement business (trade panel).

Michael Müller has been at GfK for almost 14 years. Holding a degree in business, he initially worked in the field of automotive market research before assuming various management roles in China and Singapore. He is currently responsible for the Consumer Experiences business in the fast-growing Asia and the Pacific region.

Please note:
To find out more about the mentioned recent changes to the Management Board, please see the press release dated September 24, 2015, which is available at http://www.gfk.com/de/insights/press-release/gfk-announces-management-board-changes/