From the Sector

Ontex Group NV, a leading international developer and producer of personal care solutions, announces that, further to the announcement on December 11, 2025 regarding CEO succession, the Board has decided to accelerate Laurent Nielly’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer to January 13, 2026. This acceleration reflects the Board’s confidence in Nielly’s readiness to assume Ontex’s leadership, enabling him to take ownership of the 2026 plan from the outset of the financial year. Gustavo Calvo Paz will remain with Ontex through the end of January to ensure a seamless transition.

Under Nielly’s leadership a review of all strategic options will be undertaken to identify additional opportunities to further drive profitable growth and unlock the inherent value in Ontex. The review will cover all levers available to enhance the company’s performance, including business portfolio, operational footprint and route to market, with a clear goal to improve cash generation and return on investment. A Strategy Committee of the Board of Directors will be established to accelerate the review, facilitate decision-making and ensure careful oversight over the execution of Ontex’s medium- and long-term plans.

To strengthen the Board following the resignation of Jesper Hojer, the Board has co-opted Lorenzo Grabau as a non-executive director and will submit his ratification at the next shareholders’ meeting. Grabau brings extensive capital markets and strategic transformation expertise that will be invaluable as Ontex continues to execute its strategic and value creation agenda. Grabau has considerable experience as director and chair of, and senior advisor to, various listed and non-listed companies. He served as President and CEO of Kinnevik AB, a Swedish listed investment company. Prior to that, he was a Partner at Goldman Sachs.

Starting January 1, 2026, Stefan Moll will take over the management of Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG, a global leading provider of measurement and control technology for web-shaped materials. The current CEO, Rainer Mestermann, will leave the company after 14 years as part of a planned succession arrangement.

“Stefan Moll is an excellent choice as the new CEO for our traditional company,” says Mahlo owner Ralph Greenwood-Mahlo. “We look forward to his expertise, fresh ideas, and perspectives.”

Moll brings extensive experience in managing global machinery and plant engineering companies. In addition to international corporations, the new CEO is also familiar with the structures and characteristics of larger medium-sized family businesses. “Family businesses think long-term, act sustainably, and place great value on close, trusting cooperation,” explains the new CEO regarding his decision to join Mahlo. Most recently, he served as Technical Managing Director at the Kiefel Group, a system supplier for leading plastic, thermoforming, and welding technologies based in Freilassing, where he was responsible for technical innovations, the digital strategy, and one of the globally operating divisions.

Focus on Innovation and Strategic Development
The graduate engineer describes himself as an innovation enthusiast and driver—qualities that are particularly valuable during the current transformation phase. “We are currently in a decisive phase of strategic alignment,” says Moll. He defines his goals as “making Mahlo a profitable and future-proof company and inspiring employees, customers, and owners with the right strategy.” Stefan Moll succeeds Rainer Mestermann, who led the machinery manufacturer for nearly 15 years.