In response to the departure of former CEO André Maeder, who moved on to join Selfridges, the KaDeWe Group is reinforcing its top management. Effective November 1, Chief Retail Officer Timo Weber and Chief Merchandising Officer Simone Heift have joined the board, forming a new leadership trio responsible for steering the company’s future.
Michael Peterseim, the new CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for this strategic move, stating, «I am pleased to welcome Simone Heift and Timo Weber, accomplished retail and brand professionals from our own ranks, to the management team.» He highlighted their instrumental roles in shaping the success story of the KaDeWe Group and the transformation of its luxury department stores.
Peterseim emphasized the company’s forward-looking strategy, «With ‘Unique Luxury Moments’ at the forefront, we are dedicated to creating personalized luxury experiences for our guests, customers, and employees.»
Simone Heift, a member of the KaDeWe Group’s executive board since 2014, formerly served as Buying Director. She brings a wealth of experience, having also held roles such as Fashion Director at Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH and Head of Buying for Quartier 206. Heift holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from UCLA Extension in California.
Timo Weber, a business graduate with a strong retail background, has served as General Manager of KaDeWe in Berlin since 2018 and previously managed the Alsterhaus in Hamburg for four years. In early 2023, he assumed the role of Chief Retail Officer of the KaDeWe Group, overseeing store development, operations, and facility management.
Within the KaDeWe Group, Alexandra Bagehorn, previously the manager of Alsterhaus in Hamburg from 2019 to 2022, will take over as General Manager of the Berlin department store effective December 1, 2023.
In addition to the board members, the KaDeWe Group’s management team includes Janina Schüßler as Director of Marketing and Communications, Julia Lehmann as Director of Merchandise Management, Lars Globisch as Director of IT and Process Management, and Karin Bergmann as Director of Human Resources.
