The generational passing of the torch often poses a great challenge on family businesses. In fact, all too often family firms fail during the transition from the first, second or third generation. However, Ernst Benary Samenzucht GmbH has successfully completed the transition into the 6th generation and paved the way for a continuously strong business development.
As from July 1st, the majority of the shares have been passed on to Klaudia Benary-Redlefsen, “This clear commitment of the family towards its business was very important to all of us,” explains the new major owner, who represents the 6th generation of the Benary-family.
Also on the management level of the German ornamental plant breeder, a new structure was put in place to give the family firm a clear perspective to meet the challenges of the industry. In accordance with the ownership transition, Klaudia Benary-Redlefsen’s hunsband, Dr. Matthias Redlefsen was appointed managing director. Matthias Redlefsen studied International Agribusiness in England and completed his awarded doctorate in business economics at WHU Otto-Beisheim-School of Management in Germany. Before joining the Benary-Management he was co-founder and partner in a consulting firm, which is specialized in family businesses (INTES).
On the board Matthias Redlefsen will team up with Nick ten Pas, who has been in the management of Benary for more than nine years after his international career in the ornamental plant breeding industry. In the assignment of the responsibilities Nick ten Pas will take charge of breeding and production, while Matthias Redlefsen will be responsible for marketing, sales and administration. “From a professional and personal point of view, the team conditions couldn’t be better,” says ten Pas.
The family-run company has been breeding seeds for global ornamental plant production since 1843. Today the German company is amongst the world leaders, especially in begonia and pansy breeding. This tradition serves both as an incentive and a challenge at the same time. Redlefsen clearly recognizes this when he says “on the long term we can only remain successful as a family business if we all live by the same principle: Business first.”
