Sonova Holding AG, Stäfa, Switzerland, has announced changes to its Management Board to further support the continued growth of the Sonova Group and exploit synergies across its global businesses. As a result, the size of the Management Board will be reduced from a total of 13 to 10 members, effective April 1, 2016.
“With our business growing, we need to continuously increase the dedication to our customers and expand our services,” said Lukas Braunschweiler, CEO of Sonova. “At the same time, we need to remain agile in our ever-changing markets and exploit organizational synergies, thus continuously improving our efficiency and productivity. By taking these steps, we are positioning our company for continued growth and performance.”
Sonova reports the company decided to group its three hearing instrument wholesale regions of Americas, Europe and Asia into one global “Hearing Instruments – Wholesale” function. Claude Diversi, currently vice president of Wholesale Europe & South America, will assume global responsibility for the wholesale of Phonak, Unitron and Hansaton, a role for which the company says he is well placed given his past successes and deep understanding of the company.
As a consequence, Albert Lim, currently vice president of Wholesale Asia Pacific, will report to Mr. Diversi. Paul Thompson, currently head of Region North & Central America, will assume special assignments for strategic tasks of the Group.
Andi Vonlanthen, currently group vice president of R&D, will assume a broader role, adding the Science & Technology function to his responsibilities and further reinforcing product R&D and innovation as one of the core pillars and growth drivers for Sonova. As a consequence, Stefan Launer, currently vice president of Science & Technology, will report to Mr. Vonlanthen, effective April 1, 2016.
“I am confident that the new set-up will further support the continued growth of our company, expanding our market positions and delivering the most innovative solutions for our customers in a world that has become more connected,” said Lukas Braunschweiler.
According to Sonova Group, as of April 1, 2016, the Sonova Management Board consists of the following members: Lukas Braunschweiler (CEO), Hartwig Grevener (CFO), Sarah Kreienbühl (GVP HRM & COM), Franz Petermann (SVP HI Retail), Claude Diversi (GVP HI Wholesale), Martin Grieder (GVP HI Phonak), Jan Metzdorff (SVP HI Unitron/Hansaton), Hans-Jürg Emch (GVP CI), Andi Vonlanthen (GVP R&D/S&T), and Hans Mehl (GVP OPS & IT).
Source: Sonova