Maximilian Kleinert will continue to advance the expansion in growth markets in Manufactum’s management in September.
Expansion plans
The subsidiary of the commercial group Otto Group specializes in a range of durable, timeless goods of everyday use – including clothing. So far, Manufactum has operated 14 department stores in Germany and a branch in Vienna.
In the future, the company wants to strengthen its presence in other markets, according to a message on Monday. Examples are countries such as Denmark as well as Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
“At the Otto Group, we are more than ever focusing on the scaling of successful business models. Specifically, we want to diversify internationally and expand our market share in Europe and the USA in the medium to long term,” says Sergio Bucher, board member of the Otto Group for brands and retail.
Growing demand for long -lasting goods
Manufactum sees an increasing demand for durable products and trustworthy brands. In the clothing area, for example, the dealer offers children’s fashion of the sustainable label Engel, or brands such as Lanius and Armor Lux for women.
“We are confident that the commitment of Manufactum will inspire customers outside of Germany and Austria and offer them a welcome alternative to the omnipresent, fast -moving mass products outside of Germany and Austria,” says Bucher.
Small return to the Otto Group
In addition to Alexander Peters and Kai Steffan, Kleinert is now a member of the management at Manufactum. Their areas of responsibility remain unchanged by the expansion of the management, with Steffan being chaired by the Manufactum management.
The business economist Maximilian Kleinert started his career in investment banking in Frankfurt. His first job led him to the Ernst & Young auditing company in Hamburg in 2012. In June 2017, Kleinert moved to the Otto Group company strategy team, where he recently supervised the sale of Sportscheck 2020 as department head.
In March 2021 he took over the position of Chief of Staff and reported directly to Sergio Bucher, member of the Otto Group board member for brands and retail, with a focus on the Otto Group’s investment and internationalization strategy. Before returning to the Otto Group, Kleinert worked as a director of business change by British online retailer Freemans Grattan Holding, where he played a key role in the company’s technological transformation.