Norman Thom takes over as Managing Director
We are undergoing an orderly generational transition in our leadership. Effective August 15, 2026, Norman Thom will assume the role of sole Managing Director of Heckewerth and Managing Director of the subsidiary Saréco Deutschland GmbH.
His predecessor, Thorsten Ruhnke, has shaped the company for a decade as sole Managing Director and played a pivotal role in driving its development. Prior to joining Heckewerth, he spent twenty years working for the laminate manufacturer Homapal. He is set to retire on December 31, 2026; until then, he will serve the organization in an advisory capacity and ensure a smooth handover.
Norman Thom is a CEO with a background in both technical and commercial disciplines and a strong track record of execution, focusing on growth, internationalization, transformation, and organizational development. He brings with him approximately 20 years of experience as a managing director in both family-owned and private-equity-backed companies.
"Heckewerth is a company with exceptional substance: 150 years of expertise in craftsmanship and technology, an experienced team, and long-standing partnerships. My task is to preserve these strengths—built up over generations—while simultaneously taking the next steps into the future regarding technology, processes, and market presence," says Norman Thom.
For customers and suppliers, existing points of contact, as well as all agreements and ongoing projects, remain unchanged.