The leadership transition will commence immediately, with Matthias receiving support from Fritz Weninger, who will remain as a consultant.
Effective June 11, 2024, Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC) will see leadership changes as managing director Friedrich Weninger steps down after nine years.
Matthias W Gluth, with over 25 years of industry experience, is the new managing director.
Co-managing director Andreas Dorner will also step down but continue as a senior advisor.
Matthias brings over 25 years of experience in the fibres and chemical industry, with a distinguished career at Lurgi Zimmer, DuPont de Nemours, Clariant, and Lenzing Group.
Andreas Dorner will also step down as co-managing director to assume his new role as managing director at RE&UP Recycling Technologies. Andreas will continue to support Dornbirn GFC as a senior advisor, ensuring a smooth transition.
Under Fritz’s dedicated leadership, Dornbirn GFC experienced continuous growth, even during the challenging pandemic period. His efforts in digitalisation and expansion to Asia, particularly with partners in Korea, stand out as key achievements, the company said in a LinkedIn post.
“It is with regret that Fritz will step down as managing director at Dornbirn GFC as under his leadership, Dornbirn GFC has gained significantly in value and impact. But of course, I understand that after so many years, it is time for him to slow down a bit. Also, Andreas, with his unlimited enthusiasm and great global network will be missed,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, president of Dornbirn GFC. “But I am happy that Fritz will continue as a consultant for the foreseeable future and that we can continue to count on Andreas’ expertise as an advisor to Dornbirn GFC.”
“And I am very pleased to welcome Matthias W Gluth. With Matthias, we have a very well-established leader with both technical and a commercial expertise. His curiosity and drive will help Dornbirn GFC to continue to adapt to the rapidly changing fibre industry and to maintain the congress’ technology leadership role,” continued Robert van de Kerkhof.
“I am honoured to take over from Fritz Weninger,” Matthias Gluth said. “The Dornbirn GFC is the best-established technical fibre congress worldwide as a result of his amazing contributions over the past years. I am also very thankful for the continued support and dedication from Sonja Spöcker. Without her, the congress would not be what it is. Working with Sonja and Fritz and integrating the experience from Andreas give me all the confidence to continue the success of Dornbirn GFC for the years to come. And last but not least, I would like to thank the sponsors of the Global Fiber Congress. Working with you as one team will help us to excel in these challenging times.”
The next edition of Dornbirn GFC will be held from September 11 to 13 in Dornbirn, Austria.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)