Gerolsteiner Appoints Henkel Executive Nils Hemmerle as Fresh CEO
Gerolsteiner, the market leader among branded mineral waters, has announced a strategic leadership transition. Nils Hemmerle will take over as the Chairman of the Executive Board, succeeding Roel Annega. This move signals a focused effort by the company to expand its presence in the mineral water and soft drink segments through experienced brand management and sales leadership.
- New Leadership: Nils Hemmerle will officially assume the CEO role on August 17, 2026.
- Departure: Roel Annega will leave the company on August 31, 2026, citing personal reasons.
- Strategic Background: Hemmerle joins from Henkel Consumer Brands with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing.
- Corporate Goal: The appointment aims to drive the next phase of corporate strategy and segment expansion.
A Strategic Transition in Leadership
The transition at Gerolsteiner is a prepared handover. Nils Hemmerle, 48, is set to take the helm on August 17, 2026. He succeeds Roel Annega, who has led the company for seven years and will depart on August 31, 2026.
Dr. Stefan Schmitz, Chairman of the Gerolsteiner Advisory Board, emphasized that Hemmerle’s expertise in developing and leading strong brands is an “ideal fit” for the company’s current trajectory. The focus remains on scaling the mineral water and refreshment beverage categories to ensure continued growth.
Who is Nils Hemmerle?
Hemmerle brings a deep pedigree in consumer goods management, having spent over two decades at Henkel Consumer Brands. His career at Henkel began in 2004, where he initially held various sales and marketing roles within Germany.
Professional Milestones:
- Regional Leadership: Most recently, he served as Managing Director for Central and Eastern Europe, overseeing the entire consumer business.
- European Strategy: He previously held the role of VP Sales Europe, where he steered the company’s European distribution business.
- International Experience: His career includes senior management positions across multiple international regions, including the BeNeLux region.
Gerolsteiner’s Market Position and Performance
Founded in 1888, Gerolsteiner has evolved into a powerhouse in the non-alcoholic beverage sector. The company employs more than 850 people and maintains a diverse portfolio that includes mineral waters, spritzers, lemonades, flavored waters and cola-based drinks.
Financials and Ownership
The company’s financial health remains robust. According to 2025 annual results released in February, Gerolsteiner saw revenues grow by 2.7% to €348.8 million, with sales volumes increasing by 3.4% to 8.3 million hectolitres.
The ownership structure is a mix of corporate and private interests:
- Bitburger Group: Holds a majority stake.
- Buse KSW GmbH & Co.: Owns 32% of the company.
- Private Float: The remaining equity is held in private free float.
Looking Ahead
Hemmerle has expressed excitement about joining a company characterized by “entrepreneurial courage and continuous development.” As he steps into the role, the industry will be watching how his background in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) translates into the specialized mineral water market to further solidify Gerolsteiner’s market-leading position.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Nils Hemmerle officially start as CEO?
Nils Hemmerle will take over the position of Chairman of the Executive Board on August 17, 2026.
Why is Roel Annega leaving Gerolsteiner?
Roel Annega is leaving the business for personal reasons and will officially exit the company on August 31, 2026.
What is Gerolsteiner’s current ownership structure?
The Bitburger Group holds a majority stake, while Buse KSW GmbH & Co. Owns 32%, with the rest in private free float.