On 1 December Steffen Höpfner became the new CEO of geobra Brandstätter Stiftung (Zirndorf / Germany; www.playmobil.de) and Horst Brandstätter Holding – the two bodies behind the popular toy brand "Playmobil". In his new function, he now also serves as a member of the board’s advisory committee. His appointment is the latest in a string of personnel reshuffles at the plastics processor, brought about by last year’s passing of company owner Horst Brandstätter (for most recent coverage, see Plasteurope.com of 17.03.2016).

A Brandstätter veteran with more than 20 years at the company under his belt, Höpfner will be responsible for strategy and corporate development, HR development and shareholdings. In addition, he will also oversee corporate communications and represent the interests of the company’s board vis-à-vis the foundation’s advisory committee.

Höpfner’s appointment means that Brandstätter’s management will in future consist of five people. Aside from him they are Achim Boymanns, Robert Benker, Rene Feser and Silke Heinrich.