Professor Guenther Fielmann, founder of the Fielmann Group and long-term Chairman of the Board, passed away on 3 January 2024 at the age of 84 in his home in Luetjensee, northern Germany, surrounded by his family.
Guenther Fielmann was well-known both for his entrepreneurial activity and for his charitable work, at local, state and federal levels. Recognition of his achievements included the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, which he received in 2016. That same year, he was appointed honorary citizen of the State of Schleswig-Holstein. From 2002, Guenther Fielmann held the title of honorary professor.
In 2019, on reaching his 80th birthday, Guenther Fielmann handed over the reins of his company to his son.
Guenther opened his first store in Cuxhaven in 1972, based on the simple idea of putting the customer first. “You are the customer”, he emphasised. Convinced that "almost no other accessory has a greater impact than a pair of glasses on the way a person is perceived", Fielmann was the first optical retailer to display frames, supply free advice and offer extensive warranties, all at significantly lower prices.
Gunther Fielmann had a clear vision and long-term plan for his succession: in 2012 he ensured the decisive influence of the Fielmann family for future generations by transferring the majority stake of the Fielmann Group to a family foundation. In the following eight years, he gradually handed over responsibility to his son, Marc Fielmann.
In 2024, the Fielmann Group stands as a market leader in central Europe, with over 1,000 retail stores, and is the third biggest company in the sector at a worldwide level.
The Group’s social mission
Gunther Fielmann knew that a company can only prosper in an ethical society and environment. For decades, the Fielmann Group has upheld its social responsibility and is committed to helping the communities where it operates. The family company is active in environmental protection initiatives; it contributes to the maintenance of artistic and historic monuments; it supports kindergartens and schools; it sponsors sport activity for youngsters; and, since 1986, it has planted one tree per employee every year, for a total of over 1.7 million trees and bushes. The Fielmann family has supported cultural events for many years, including the Music Festival of Schleswig-Holstein; it opens up the family home, Gut Schierensee, to the public for non-denominational services during the Christmas period; it funds medical institutes and scientific research, as well as German public museums.
The creation of the Fielmann Charitable Foundation
The Fielmann family, represented by Guenther’s children Sophie and Marc, founded the charitable Fielmann Foundation this week. The Foundation will continue the social commitment in the future, supporting science and research, art and culture, protection and conservation of heritage (and environmental conservation), primarily in northern Germany.