Vaude hired Melissa Wach as chief financial officer in December 2023. She succeeded Erwin Gutensohn, who retired after a 30-year tenure shaping the company’s financial management and establishing the groundwork for corporate financing.
The company said in a statement that Wach is eager to play a strategic role in advancing sustainable practices and promoting “Green Financing” at Vaude.
Joining CEO Antje von Dewitz, the top leadership team at Vaude includes Jan Lorch who has overseen Sales & CSR (CSO) for many years, and Uwe Gottschalk, serving as Chief Product Officer (CPO).
“I am thrilled to collaborate with Melissa, who is bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to our management team and will play a key role in shaping the future of Vaude,” expressed von Dewitz.
With a strong background in strategic financial planning, controlling, financial analysis and transactions, digital transformation, and project management, Wach was described by the company as an “internationally experienced expert.” Her diverse range of experience extends from world leaders in the automotive supply industry to software companies and internationally operating chemical companies.
“I am eagerly looking forward to contributing to a company that prioritizes responsible operations and participates in the economy for the common good with Common Good Balance Sheet assessments. Vaude embodies values that are personally important to me. The warm corporate culture fascinates me! Vaude lives by a philosophy that I wholeheartedly support, and as an outdoor enthusiast, I am excited about the products,” explained Wach.
Images courtesy Vaude, Melissa Wach/LinkedIn
