Office furniture manufacturer Wilkhahn appointed Götz Stamm as its new Managing Director in January 2025 after an interim period of just under a year. What drives him? What plans does he have for the long-established company?
Interview by Gerrit Terstiege
Mr Stamm, your first day as CEO at Wilkhahn was just a few weeks ago. Prior to that, you were Managing Director at Sigel for four years. The office as a workplace and as a subject will continue to be the focus of your attention. Have you already furnished your office at Wilkhahn?
Götz Stamm: Luckily, my office was already fully furnished, which meant that I was able to start working straight away. It’s even better when quality and taste are also part of the equation, which is naturally the case with Wilkhahn’s product range. In my office, for example, I have our high-quality Intra conference chair range. The only thing I have brought with me is a small silver Hoptimist – a design figurine that my wife gave me and that always brings me joy. It sits here in front of me in a very motivating working environment.
At the last Orgatec, many new circular biomaterials were presented, such as furniture foams made from sea grass or upholstery fillings made from cattail fibres. Sustainability has long been a priority at Wilkhahn. Do you see potential for further measures or even more circular production processes?
Materials are always a fascinating topic. At Wilkhahn, an important milestone was reached back in 1989 when the board of directors made a groundbreaking decision to give ecological and social responsibility priority over short-term profits. This was quite unique at the time.
It marked the beginning of a very comprehensive sustainability strategy that focused not only on environmentally friendly materials but also on our production processes. Since then, we have stood for safe and durable products that are at least low in harmful substances – and ideally free of them. We also guarantee these sustainable standards worldwide. We have been EMAS certified since 2001. This certification proves that we are continuously and transparently improving our environmental performance, while at the same time taking our social responsibilities seriously. However, longevity in design, functionality and quality is truly our top priority.
What social and economic megatrends do you think will have the greatest impact on the office furniture industry over the next ten years?
Aspects such as sustainability and the circular economy will definitely remain important. The keyword here is eco-intelligence – the growing awareness of ecological interdependencies and the development of sustainable solutions for a future worth living. In addition, I tend to follow the megatrends identified by the Frankfurt-based Zukunftsinstitut (Future Institute). For our industry, these include, in addition to those already mentioned, demographic change and the future of work – characterised by increasingly flexible working models, hybrid structures and lifestyles. The Future Institute speaks of fluid value communities, meaning that social interactions are being redefined. This, in turn, has significant implications for the world of work and office environments.
Another major theme is connectivity – how digital infrastructures enable a completely new form of networking between people, machines and organisations. This is an area in which Wilkhahn can play a key role in shaping the interaction between people through attractive and innovative office furniture systems. This, in turn, is linked to another megatrend: health and well-being at the workplace.
How do you want to promote innovation at Wilkhahn? Does artificial intelligence, for example, play a role in the company’s future orientation?
Yes, we have a clear focus on research and development. This has always been a determining factor for us in the past and we will continue in this direction. AI for process and product optimisation is also an exciting area for us. I think it would be a big mistake for a company not to be involved in this area, as the range of applications is simply enormous.
How does Wilkhahn differentiate itself in the market, especially in the highly competitive office furniture sector?
For me, the brand Is of central Importance. Wilkhahn is a well-established premium brand – this sets us apart from our competitors. In addition, we have built up long-term, stable relationships with partners and customers. We are very proud of this, and it also differentiates us. We also guarantee an extremely high level of quality and durability in our products. This continues to be an important driving force behind our new developments.
‘Wilkhahn is a well-established premium brand – this sets us apart from our competitors’
– Götz Stamm, Wilkhahn CEO
Phoenix Design, Jehs + Laub, Julia Läufer or HfG Ulm graduate Nick Roericht – renowned designers and design studios have designed for Wilkhahn in the past. Will you continue this tradition or even expand these collaborations?
This tradition will certainly continue. We have a core philosophy: designers must fit the brand and the company. We don’t just engage in name-dropping by focusing exclusively on the biggest and most expensive designers in the world. Instead, we also work with younger but very talented design studios – for example RSW, with whom we are currently collaborating.
To me, many Wilkhahn pieces have a very homely feel and would also work well in a private environment. What potential do you see in the B2C market?
There are certainly great opportunities in the B2C market, as the trend in office furniture is towards more homely and multifunctional pieces. We already have products that follow this trend. However, one important aspect should not be overlooked: when it comes to distribution channels, marketing activities and customer communication, B2B and B2C are very different. Everything has to be carefully evaluated when we consider moving into B2C.
Wilkhahn has been a foundation member of the German Design Council for decades. Fritz Hahne, the son of one of the company’s founders, was a member of the board of trustees for many years. How important are the networking and dialogue that this partnership offers you?
Being part of this network is, quite simply, incredibly important for Wilkhahn. Exchange always promotes innovation and best practice. It is also about interdisciplinary learning, gaining insights and new impulses. I have never attended a networking event and left without having learned something new. At the end of the day, our membership also strengthens our brand – and that is of great value to us.
‘We are determined to continue to be a leading force in sustainable office furniture. We will maintain a strong international presence – that is a hallmark of Wilkhahn.’
– Götz Stamm, CEO of Wilkhahn
Finally, a look into the future: where do you see Wilkhahn in five years?
From my point of view, Wilkhahn is like a pearl. Yes, that’s how I would describe the company. This pearl brings joy to our customers and advances the industry as a whole. Perhaps it’s possible to make this pearl shine even brighter in some areas. That is what we will work on. We are determined to continue to be a leading force in sustainable office furniture. We will maintain a strong international presence – that is a hallmark of Wilkhahn. What I find more difficult at the moment is to give figures, data or future sales targets. After only six or seven weeks in the job, it would be too early for me to outline that. But you can be sure that there will be clear plans for this as well.
About the Author
Gerrit Terstiege, born 1968, lives and works in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. He studied with Michael Erlhoff and Gui Bonsiepe at the Cologne International School of Design (KISD) and the Glasgow School of Art. He worked at form magazine from 1997 to 2012, becoming editor-in-chief in 2006. He has published three books with Birkhäuser, including The Making of Design and Grafische Räume. Since 1998 he has been a lecturer and visiting professor at Swiss and German universities, including ZHdK, HGK Basel, HfG Karlsruhe and FH Mainz. He is currently editor-in-chief of the Rams Foundation. Find out more about Gerrit Terstiege on Instagram: @gerritterstiege.
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