The hops specialist BarthHaas is facing a change in management: Stephan Barth, who has led the company as one of its managing partners since 1992, intends to retire from operational responsibility somewhat earlier than planned and will leave the management of BarthHaas GmbH & Co. KG as of 31 July 2021. The 60-year-old manager fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in the spring of this year and has not yet fully recovered. "I'm going to completely regain my health, but during my illness I decided to speed up a process that would have taken place in the next few years anyway."
Until now, Stephan Barth has managed the BarthHaas Group together with his brother Alexander Barth (57) and his cousin Regine Barth (50). In the future, Regine Barth will be responsible for the European and Asian markets and will manage the operative business from the top together with the management team. This is the first time in the company's 227-year history that a woman has held the position of sole managing director of BarthHaas GmbH & Co. KG (formerly Joh. Barth & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG). At the same time, BarthHaas GmbH & CO. KG is looking for a replacement for Stephan Barth to maintain the proven dual leadership at the top. Alexander Barth remains at the helm of the American affiliated company John I. Haas located in Washington D.C.
Stephan Barth will continue to be involved in the company after leaving his position as senior managing partner. A Board of Directors is to be established in fiscal year 2021/22 (August 1st – July 31st) which, in addition to its statutory supervisory and control function, will also support the company in an advisory capacity. The initial members will be Stephan Barth, Alexander Barth, and two external board members.
"In my new role on the Board of Directors, I will be able to contribute to the company’s strategy and vision, and act as a brand ambassador, as I have done in the past – but without operational responsibility," says Stephan Barth, explaining the company's plans. He also wants to introduce the next generation to the management of the family business:
His children, as well as those of his brother and cousin, are still currently too young to assume leadership roles in the near future.