A lesson in leadership: ProBusiness bids farewell to Chairman Berthold Niehoff
Colleagues and partners gathered on Friday evening at IFA to bid a fond farewell to a luminary in the field of home electronics and retail: Berthold Niehoff, who is stepping down as Chairman of the ProBusiness marketing initiative after a long tenure at its helm.
ProBusiness works hand-in-hand with EK Retail, so it was only fitting that the cooperative’s CEO, Jochen Pohle, was the first to take the microphone in a series of toasts and tribute speeches.
“You have not only managed ProBusiness, you have filled ProBusiness with life”, Mr Pohle said. “Your commitment, your instinct for what is to come and, above all, your talent for bringing everyone involved together have shown us what is possible when you really put your heart and soul into something.”
As head of ProBusiness, Mr Niehoff worked tirelessly to strengthen mid-sized businesses and ensure they have a platform to compete effectively on a global scale.
The last speech, of course, was reserved for the Chairman himself, who was visibly moved. “Thank you to everyone who has been with me all these years, whether customers or members, some of whom have become friends”, he said.