Germany-based lubricant manufacturer Rhenus Lub has appointed Johannes Samwer as head of sales, product management, marketing, procurement and logistics at the ling-established family-run industrial lubricants company. After more than 30 years of service at Rhenus Lub, the previous managing director, Meinhard Kiehl, has retired. In his time with the company, Mr Kiehl spearheaded key advances in not only the strategic direction but also the operational implementation of sales, marketing and product management activities. Through his strong sense of identification with the company, he promoted a positive and inspiring corporate culture. Dr Max Reiners, CEO of Rhenus Lub, said: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Meinhard Kiehl for his dedication and loyal collaboration – and we wish him all the best in the next chapter in his life.”

Mr Samwer, has previously held various management positions at the speciality chemicals company LANXESS in Cologne for around 14 years, including most recently as global sales director within the material protection products business unit. In this role, he was responsible for the strategic direction and management of operational units in sales and of external partnerships at the global level. His other positions at LANXESS included several years in the USA (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) to merge and lead a division of the Rhein Chemie business unit. He holds a master of science in business administration from the University of Münster and has reinforced his skills on an ongoing basis by attending management seminars at Harvard Business School and London Business School alongside his professional activities.

Dr Reiners added: “In Johannes Samwer, we are delighted to have found a new managing director for purchasing and sales who brings with him extensive experience in the management of complex business divisions, a profound understanding of technical subject matter, and comprehensive skills when it comes to questions of strategic orientation and operational procedures.”

He concluded: “Together, we’ll successfully push ahead with the strategy for growth and further development of our entire portfolio of metalworking fluids, lubricating greases and corresponding services in order to further expand our strong position as a sustainable added-value partner in Germany and in international markets.”