Trigema boss Wolfgang Grupp hands over to his daughter and son

THE MIRROR Trigema boss Wolfgang Grupp hands over to his daughter and son Article by Alexander Preker • Under the motto “there can only be one,” Wolfgang Grupp let his children compete for succession at the top of Trigema. Now he puts the fate of the textile company in the hands of his son and daughter. He is stepping down after more than 50 years at the top: Trigema boss Wolfgang Grupp is giving up his position as head of his textile company in Baden-Württemberg at the end of the year. The 81-year-old sole managing director and owner – also known by the nickname “King of Burladingen” – is handing over management to his 34-year-old daughter Bonita and his 32-year-old son Wolfgang Grupp junior, the manufacturer of sports and leisure clothing announced. The sole owner of the textile company Trigema in Burladingen in the Zollernalb district became known through iconic television commercials. In these, a chimpanzee, most recently a digitized animal, advertises its T-shirts and sweatshirts. Wolfgang Grupp junior said he would become a personally liable partner and managing director on January 1, 2024. Bonita Grupp will become a member of the management at the same time. Both are equal partners. The “e.K.” becomes a KG Elisabeth Grupp, who is married to Wolfgang Grupp senior, will continue to work in the company as a partner. She is therefore not part of the management. The company will continue to operate under the name Trigema W. Grupp KG. Until now, Grupp Trigema had operated as “e.K” (registered merchant). As such, he was liable with his private assets. »From January 1, 2024, I will withdraw from operational business and hand over responsibility to my daughter and son. I trust their ability to ensure the continued existence of the company and lead Trigema into a secure future," said Grupp. The decision for dual leadership is unexpected. Grupp has repeatedly said in recent years that only one child could take over the company. Bonita and Wolfgang Grupp junior joined the family business in 2013 and 2014. Grupp senior was born on April 4, 1942 in Burladingen. After attending the Jesuit college in St. Blasien, he studied economics at the University of Cologne, where he also received his doctorate. In 1969 he took over the heavily indebted company founded by his grandfather in 1919. With an iron hand, the textile entrepreneur led Trigema out of the red and turned the company into Germany's largest T-shirt and tennis clothing manufacturer. Production sales in 2022 were 127.2 million euros. The number of employees is around 1,160. Grupp often criticized the megalomania of some entrepreneurs and demanded personal liability for all bosses. He regularly reminds German managers of responsibility, discipline and being a role model.