In a recent interview, Miele-Co-Chef Reinhard Zinkann did not rule out the possibility of external management for his family business in the future. He emphasized that it is not a given that the successor to the company’s leadership must come from the family, citing the example of successful family entrepreneurs who have brought in external leaders.
Zinkann, the great-grandson of the company’s founder, currently holds the position of managing director alongside Markus Miele, a fellow shareholder. He believes that a person can only be successful in a role if they are fully committed and possess the necessary competence.
While an external management may take the reins in the future, Zinkann emphasized that a family business differs from a typical conglomerate. Even if family members step back from the leadership, they can still play a crucial role in the background, ensuring continuity and stability.
In a separate topic, Zinkann shared his views on the political handling of the AfD party. He believes that political parties on the fringes of the center, both right and left, hold positions that are not in line with his understanding of democracy, economy and Europe. He emphasized the importance of engaging with political opponents and addressing their positions in a constructive manner, rather than ostracizing them. As a committed democrat, Zinkann believes that dialogue should always come before exclusion.