After more than 30 years at Jowat: Dr. Christian Terfloth retires

“Throughout more than two decades on the Board of Directors, Dr. Christian Terfloth not only created stability, but also established forward-looking structures—from strategic R&D initiatives and an active focus on anticipating future development to a leadership approach grounded in shared responsibility. His contributions reflect the attributes that make hidden champions strong: Deep knowledge of their own business, clear strategic direction, and a lived commitment to the long term. We thank him for his extraordinary dedication and wish him all the very best in this new chapter of life,” say his longtime fellow Board of Director members Ralf Nitschke and Klaus Kullmann.

From assistant to strategic leader

Dr. Christian Terfloth began his career at Jowat in 1995 as executive assistant to the Board of Directors. Within a few years, he took on leadership of Research & Development, which he significantly modernized and aligned internationally. In 2003, he was appointed to the Board of Directors, assuming responsibility for Research & Development, Technical Support & Service, Purchasing, and Management Systems.

His professional contributions extended well beyond the company itself: Dr. Terfloth served for more than two decades on the Technical Board of the German Adhesives Association IVK, held a teaching role at the OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Schomburg Group since 2017.

Well-planned and structured transition

The Supervisory Board credits Dr. Christian Terfloth with leaving a lasting imprint on the organization through his work. Chairman Professor Dr. Andreas Wiedemann emphasizes that the succession has been a carefully managed process: “This approach ensures continuity and maintains the strategic direction of the enterprise. The Supervisory Board thanks Dr. Christian Terfloth for his outstanding work throughout the past decades. His deep expertise, strategic foresight, and creativity have shaped Jowat over many years. Dr. Terfloth leaves a profound professional and personal legacy.”

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Terfloth expresses appreciation: “After more than 30 years at Jowat, I feel the time is right to step aside. I extend my best wishes to my successor, Dr. Olaf Meincke, both personally and for continued success at Jowat SE.”

The transition has been in preparations for months. On January 1, 2026, Dr. Olaf Meincke was appointed to the Board of Directors and assumed responsibility for Research & Development and Research Services. With Dr. Christian Terfloth’s retirement, the remaining functions under his leadership—Technical Support & Service, Purchasing, and Management Systems—will be transferred to his colleagues on the Board of Directors.

A farewell “in a small circle”

The retirement was marked by a farewell luncheon at the House of Technology with around 100 colleagues. As he turns to this next chapter, Dr. Terfloth’s plans are clear: He wants to devote more time to his family, water sports, and travel.