STARK Deutschland Appoints Dr. Marc Baumgartner as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Strategic Growth

STARK Deutschland Appoints Dr. Marc Baumgartner as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Strategic Growth

(IN BRIEF) STARK Deutschland has appointed Dr. Marc Baumgartner as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026, succeeding Michael Knüppel, who will become Senior Executive Advisor for STARK Group. Dr. Baumgartner, who joined the company in 2025 as Chief Sales Officer for the generalist business, brings over 20 years of industry experience and has been instrumental in driving strategic transformation focused on SMEs. Michael Knüppel leaves behind a legacy of expansion, brand consolidation, and sales growth despite challenging market conditions, and will continue to support the group at a strategic level.

(PRESS RELEASE) FREDERIKSBERG, 16-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — STARK Deutschland has announced a leadership transition as part of its long-term strategic development, appointing Dr. Marc Baumgartner as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment was made by the Supervisory Board, with Dr. Baumgartner set to assume the CEO role on 1 January 2026. He will succeed Michael Knüppel, who will transition into the position of Senior Executive Advisor for STARK Group.

Dr. Baumgartner joined STARK Deutschland in February 2025 as Chief Sales Officer for the generalist (GBM) business. He brings more than two decades of experience in the building materials and construction supply sector, having previously held senior leadership roles at Würth and Building Materials Switzerland. Since joining STARK Deutschland, he has been responsible for leading the company’s generalist businesses, including Raab Karcher and Keramundo.

During his tenure, Dr. Baumgartner has played a central role in advancing the transformation of the GBM organization and shaping the company’s current strategic direction. This strategy places a strong emphasis on serving small and medium-sized enterprises in the renovation, maintenance, and improvement segment, positioning STARK Deutschland for future growth as market conditions recover.

Michael Knüppel, who has served as CEO since January 2021, will continue to contribute to the group in his new advisory role. As Senior Executive Advisor for STARK Group, he will support merger and acquisition initiatives and contribute his expertise to STARK Sourcing activities. In parallel, he will maintain his involvement in German builders’ associations, continuing to represent STARK Deutschland at an industry level.

Under Michael Knüppel’s leadership, STARK Deutschland has undergone significant development and consolidation. The company expanded its footprint into Austria, entered the roofing market, and strengthened its civils business through targeted acquisitions. Despite challenging market conditions in recent years, the German and Austrian business unit increased net sales by approximately 25 percent during his tenure. A major brand consolidation, reducing 15 brands to four core brands, also laid the foundation for a more focused and sales-driven operating model.

The leadership change reflects both continuity and renewal within STARK Deutschland. With Dr. Baumgartner stepping into the CEO role and Michael Knüppel continuing to support the group at a strategic level, the company aims to build on its market-leading position in Germany while preparing for the next phase of growth across its core markets.

About STARK Group

STARK Group is a leading business-to-business merchant and distributor of heavy building materials for the construction industry in Europe, with a strategic focus on serving professional builders from its more than 1,050 branches. STARK Group has net sales of EUR 7.76 billion, serves a portfolio of 450,000 customers and collaborates with approx. 15,000 suppliers. Headquartered in Denmark, STARK Group employs more than 18,500 employees in Germany, Austria, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. The Group holds leading national or regional position in all markets.

STARK Group holds SBTi-approved and validated net zero climate targets for 2050, aligned with the 1.5°C pathway of the Paris Agreement. The company is a proud signatory of the UN Global Compact and ranks among the top 1% of companies worldwide, earning EcoVadis’ Platinum rating for sustainability performance.

Media Contact:

Kaspar Bach Habersaat
Group Chief Communications Officer
+45 4092 8881
kha@starkgroup.dk

SOURCE: STARK Group A/S