After four years of serving as the CEO, Jürgen Siegwarth handed over the reins of ORTLIEB Sportartikel GmbH to Martin Esslinger (pictured).
When the Franconian bike and outdoor specialist initiated its realignment in 2017, with much passion and energy by the company founder and managing partner Hartmut Ortlieb, it was shaped decisively by Siegwarth.
“In Jürgen, we gained an accomplished expert for ORTLIEB in 2018, and from his knowledge and experience we have undoubtedly benefited,” stated Ortlieb. “Even this generational change in transitioning the position of CEO from Jürgen Siegwarth to Martin Esslinger is an example of Jürgen’s successful work in recent years.”
In February 2021, Esslinger joined Ortlieb and Siegwarth in the company’s top tier management.
“ORTLIEB is doing very well, but we still have major challenges ahead in terms of digitization and automation. Additionally, there is still a need to increase international brand desirability and profile as an authentically sustainable brand that has been producing durable, repairable and 100 percent waterproof and German-made outdoor equipment for 40 years,” Ortlieb said. “This is something we’re going to continue to tackle with the entire team and with Martin as commercial director. Jürgen will of course continue to support us in an advisory capacity.”
