Jens Wichtermann new Head of Vaillant Group Corporate Communications

Remscheid, 19 April 2006

Dr Jens Wichtermann (36) will join Vaillant Group, Remscheid, as Head of Corporate Communications on May 1, 2006. His responsibilities cover development and implementation of the Group's external and internal communication strategies and activities, including media and public relations, financial information and staff communication. He will report to Managing Director Claes Göransson, who heads the company together with Managing Director Dr Michel Brosset. The Vaillant Group, with annual sales revenue of about €1.8 billion, is one of the international market and technology leaders in heating and air-conditioning technology.

Wichtermann worked from 2001 in the Corporate Communications division of the Bochum-based technology concern GEA Group (formerly mg technologies AG, Frankfurt am Main). There, the PhD in German language and literature was responsible for among other things the Group's worldwide media communication, online communication and staff information. Previously, he was a part-time lecturer and research fellow at the University of Würzburg. He also worked as Press spokesman and communication adviser for various companies, in professional sport and in the cultural field.

Wichtermann will succeed Ebrulf Zuber, who after working at Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl, Henkel, Deutz and Axa headed Corporate Communications of the Vaillant Group from 1998 and has retired. Managing Director Claes Göransson said: "We thank Ebrulf Zuber for his commitment and contribution to the success of our company. At the same time, we welcome Jens Wichtermann as the new Communications Head."


Contact
Stefan Jakubik
Press Officer
Vaillant Group
42850 Remscheid
Germany
Phone: +49 2191 18-3731
Mobile: +49 171 9763231
Fax: +49 2191 18-2895
E-mail: stefan.jakubik@vaillant.de
www.vaillant-group.com