Grohe Group Announces Executive Transition For Grohe America

NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GROHE Group (GROHE and Joyou), a world-leading provider of premium-quality kitchen and bathroom faucets and shower products, today announced that GROHE America President and CEO Franz Droege will be retiring, effective July 1, 2012, after 30 years of dedicated service and unparalleled commitment to the company.  Industry veteran Michael Marchi, who most recently served as president of Kitchen & Bath Americas for Kohler Co. for the past four years, will join GROHE America to succeed Droege.

During his time as president and CEO of GROHE America, Droege saw steady growth in a very challenging business environment, while opening the company's New York office – now its official U.S. headquarters – and the Grohe Live! Center, one of four innovative design resource centers across the globe. He also piloted the company's entry into the U.S. DIY channel through Lowe's, and most recently, has been overseeing a phased transition of core business functions from Bloomingdale, Ill. to New York.

"While I'm saddened I'll no longer be in daily contact with the many close friends and colleagues I've worked with at GROHE, I couldn't be more confident in the talent and immense abilities of my replacement, Michael Marchi," said Franz Droege, president and CEO of GROHE America.  "Michael's broad experience and strategic approach to the business will play a key role in our growth here in the Americas. I have no doubt that GROHE will continue to flourish in Michael's capable hands."

As a seasoned industry veteran and president of Kitchen & Bath Americas at Kohler, Marchi helped build stronger customer relationships and implemented strategic investments in products, brand presence, and online initiatives, which brought significant increases in market share. Prior to his work with Kohler, Marchi also served as president of Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, a Kohler company, vice president in the corporate banking division at Citibank, and spent 16 years in multiple positions at General Electric Co.

"I am thrilled to join the GROHE team at such an exciting time, coming off of a great year in 2011. In taking the role of president and CEO, I hope to help continue that growth and carry on initiatives begun by Mr. Droege."

About GROHE
GROHE, New York, NY is the 36-year-old, wholly-owned subsidiary of GROHE Water Technology AG & Co. KG, Germany. GROHE faucet and shower products are distributed in more than 180 countries and represent nearly 80 years of excellence in European styling, engineering and quality. GROHE ranks among the top three faucet manufacturers in the world and was the first international faucet manufacturer to be ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Certified.

SOURCE GROHE