GERMANY. Frankfurt Airport Retail (FAR), the joint venture between Gebr. Heinemann and Fraport Group, has named Karl Grünewaldt (née Niendorf) as Co-Managing Director alongside Georg Fuhrmann.
Grünewaldt replaces Gordana Schiel in the role – representing Gebr. Heinemann in the partnership – effective from 15 April. At her own request, Schiel will take on a role at Gebr. Heinemann in Hamburg following a period of parental leave.
Grünewaldt was previously Managing Director of smartseller, the joint venture between Heinemann and casualfood that is expanding across small and medium-sized airports. That role is now taken by Lars Hennecke (see below).
Grünewaldt will co-lead FAR through its next pivotal phase which includes the opening of new retail spaces at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 next month.
Fraport Senior Executive Vice President Retail and Properties Karl-Heinz Dietrich said: “With Karl Grünewaldt, we are gaining an experienced leader who will strengthen our team in the best possible way, especially now as we approach an exciting time with the opening of Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport. Our thanks go to Gordana Schiel for her outstanding dedication.”
Gebr. Heinemann Chief Sales Officer Florian Seidel added: “We are delighted to have Karl join our team. With his many years of experience, gained both at Gebr. Heinemann and most recently at smartseller, Karl brings valuable expertise and fresh ideas to the FAR management team.
“At the same time, we are pleased that Gordana will continue to contribute her expertise from her time as Managing Director at various Heinemann locations to Gebr. Heinemann in the future.”
Lars Hennecke has been with smartseller since its founding in 2020 and has held several administrative and operational roles. Most recently he shaped key initiatives as Head of Business Development and was also responsible for the concept roll-outs of the 24/7 Self-Service Shop as well as The Tasting Room.
Florian Seidel said: “We are delighted that with Lars Hennecke, smartseller is gaining a Managing Director with a strong focus on implementation and a pronounced partner orientation.
“His experience in developing new concepts, from self-service formats to locally-oriented store experiences, is exactly what we need for the next phase of growth. Lars started his career at Gebr. Heinemann eight years ago as a trainee and we are pleased to see his development within the Heinemann group continue with this next step.”
Monika Friedli-Walser, Chairwoman and Delegate of the Board of Directors of casualfood parent group ORIOR said: “smartseller shows how the combination of travel retail and F&B can be scaled economically. With Lars Hennecke at the helm, the company is ideally positioned to roll out concepts more quickly and tap into new markets – always with a clear focus on efficiency, quality and a harmonious travel experience.” ✈
