The foundations for successful digital transformation have been laid by the current CEO, Dr. János Heé, and with the implementation of a new website, a new e-commerce strategy and a new approach to social media, online sales have increased significantly. Dr. János Heé is leaving Zimmerli at his own request to pursue new challenges in the field of digitalization and product and service innovation. The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his valuable work and great commitment. Mr. Heé will continue to support us as a valued advisor, if necessary.
The pandemic has shown us that industry knowledge, experience in wholesale, retail and corporate management are important to successfully lead Zimmerli through these challenging times. We are pleased to introduce Pascal Höhener, Zimmerli's new Managing Director, who will assume his new role on February 1, 2021. With Pascal Höhener, we were able to win over a profound expert of the wholesale and retail world, as well as the textile industry. He worked for Globus for many years at various levels and most recently as a member of the Executive Board. Subsequently, he was Managing Director and Member of the Board of Blue Lemon AG, a successful Swiss premium loungewear manufacturer. He has a great deal of knowledge and experience in our product area as well as in the management of a company of our size.
Until the retirement of Dr. János Heé at the end of April 2021, he and Pascal Höhener will jointly ensure a smooth handover. Pascal Höhener is taking over the management of a company that has coped well with the year of the pandemic and is in the best possible position for the future. The Board of Directors of Zimmerli Textil AG is convinced that it has found the right person in Pascal Höhener, who will successfully meet the entrepreneurial challenges, lead the company out of these difficult times and further develop the Zimmerli of Switzerland brand in a sustainable manner.
