She is the fourth generation of the Kufferath family to run the business.
Lara Kufferath succeeds her father, Dr Stephan Kufferath, and her uncle, Ingo Kufferath, who have been in charge of the company since 1983. She will be the first GKD Group CEO to run the company in a hybrid executive model together with chief technical & operations officer Dr Daniel Holstein, and chief financial officer Ilonka von Bodman.
A member of the GKD management board since 2021, Lara Kufferath has most recently held responsibility for the company's digital transformation and innovation processes. Under her leadership, the GKD Group will continue to focus keenly on digitalization, internationalization, and sustainability. At the same time, she has her sights set on doubling the group's global sales revenues by 2027.
"I'm really looking forward to continuing the great work my family has done for the company over the years and to steering the GKD Group toward a sustainable and strong future,” said Lara Kufferath. “As an owner-run family business, it has always been our aspiration to act with foresight. We wish to make our own contribution to making our world healthier, cleaner, and safer with innovative products and responsible corporate action."
Lara Kufferath completed her master's degree at the European Business School in Oestrich Winkel and was then able to gain overseas experience during placements in Copenhagen and New York. Her first job was working for AGCO, an agricultural equipment group. She then spent several years working for Swiss corporate consultancy Helbing Business Advisors. In 2019, she joined the family company as head of corporate development.
Dr Stephan Kufferath said: "I obviously wish Lara lots of luck and every success. I also feel certain that the future of our company is in safe hands with her. She has the full support of the family, and we'll also remain at her side in future on the supervisory board.“
The family business will be celebrating its centenary in 2025.
