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Leadership transition within the Merkur Group
Paul Gauselmann steps down from the group’s executive management / Michael Gauselmann assumes the roles of Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation / Lars Felderhoff is appointed new Chairman of the Management Board
A new chapter is dawning for the Merkur Group as company founder Paul Gauselmann is set to retire as Management Board Chairman on 1 October, stepping back from the company’s executive leadership. For 67 years, he has shaped the destiny of the group, transforming a part-time one-man business into an internationally acclaimed group of companies with total sales revenues of around 4 billion euros and external sales revenues of over 2.7 billion euros. “I have consistently devoted my energy to the company’s welfare, and at the same time to the benefit of our approximately 15,000 employees,” he stated. “Now the time has come to entrust my life’s work to the younger generation,” explains Paul Gauselmann. Lars Felderhoff, 48, CFO of the Merkur Group, will assume the role of Chairman. He will be supported by Jürgen Stühmeyer (64), Management Board member with responsibility for sales, and Manfred Stoffers (70), Management Board member with responsibility for marketing, communications and political affairs, as vice-chairs. “I am delighted that this trio is taking over the helm. They are outstanding leaders with a deep understanding of the company,” adds Paul Gauselmann, who will continue his association with the company as a member of the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
A generational shift is also taking place on another level: Michael Gauselmann (68) is set to assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board from Manfred Grünewald (89) on 1 October. He will also succeed Paul Gauselmann as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. As the sole shareholder of the group, the Foundation is the hub for all fundamental strategic decisions. “I am thrilled that my son Michael is embracing this important responsibility and will contribute his international experience to our company,” states Paul Gauselmann. Michael Gauselmann, a business administration graduate, joined the group in 1982 and worked across all business segments. He advanced internationalisation by establishing the subsidiary Atronic in 1993, overseeing all foreign operations. For a decade, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Management Board before becoming Co-Chairman of the Group Management Board, sharing responsibilities with Paul Gauselmann from 2004 to 2012. From 2013, he was involved in the then Gauselmann Family Council and, from 2016, in the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
Lars Felderhoff will assume responsibility for executive management as the new Group Chairman. He has overseen the finances and organisation of the Merkur Group since 2018. He started his career in 2000 at the subsidiary Atronic. From 2007 to 2011, he expanded his expertise at the gaming group GTech (now IGT) and at Metro Cash & Carry International, a wholesale group. Felderhoff rejoined Merkur in 2011 as the Commercial Director of the adp Merkur subsidiary. In that capacity, he was in charge of commercial operations for the Merkur business segment, encompassing over 40 companies both in Germany and internationally. As a native of Rahden, he has close ties to the region and understands the roots of the corporate group. “The challenge is immense, and naturally, we will not be able to fill the shoes of an entrepreneur like Paul Gauselmann one-to-one. However, the company is robust and agile enough to continue setting new benchmarks in the future.”
He is assisted by the Management Board’s Vice-Chairs, Jürgen Stühmeyer and Manfred Stoffers. Stühmeyer, who hails from Minden, has dedicated 37 years to the Eastern-Westphalian company, starting as a trainee in 1987 and progressively advancing through the ranks. In his function as the Management Board member responsible for sales, he has directed the strategic orientation and commercial success of the entire Merkur pillar since 2007. Manfred Stoffers joined the company in 2011 as a consultant to the Chairman of Gauselmann AG, and was appointed Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs in 2015.
Paul Gauselmann expressed great satisfaction with the top-level personnel changes, stating, “Reorganising the company by the time I turn 90 has been my wish for some time. We have accomplished this very well and are ideally positioned for the future, particularly as my son Michael, both a member of the Gauselmann family and an experienced entrepreneur, will continue to be involved in the most critical decisions.”
The post Leadership transition within the Merkur Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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CHIPS confirmed as Clarion Gaming charity partner ahead of appearance at iGB Affiliate Awards
CHIPS, the gambling industry charity which provides bespoke powered wheelchairs to young people whom the National Health Service is unable to support, has been named Clarion Gaming charity partner.
Born out of the gambling industry the registered charity has presented more than 700 wheelchairs, in the process transforming the lives of recipient children and their families. CHIPS Chairs are designed and engineered to meet the specific physiological needs of each recipient and can cost up to £9,000.
Speaking ahead of the prestigious iGB Affiliate Awards, where she will outline the work of CHIPS, co-founder and Trustee Linda Lindsay said: “I am absolutely delighted to be partnering with the team at Clarion Gaming as we work to generate more funds to help children who have been denied the twin gifts of freedom and independence.
“Having worked with so many families I have seen at first hand the stress placed on them when they are informed that their child doesn’t meet the criteria to receive an National Health Service funded powered wheelchair. I’ve met children who can walk three metres which means that they don’t qualify, despite the fact that after four metres they are struggling to stand and even breathe.
“Many of the families CHIPS has helped over the years would not have been able to continue their children’s education with just a heavy pushchair supplied by the NHS but they’ve flourished and regained their independence and dignity with the powered chair that we have been able to provide thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
“I have attended virtually all of the 700+ presentations that we have made and every single one has had a transformative effect. On behalf of my Trustees, all of whom work for free meaning that every penny raised helps fund the purchase of the wheelchairs, I would like to say how excited we are to be working with the iGaming industry and in the process helping more youngsters to get mobile.”
The iGB Affiliate Awards which celebrate the achievements and innovations of the iGaming affiliate community are taking place Thursday 3 July at the Troxy the Grade II-listed Art Deco music venue on Commercial Road in Stepney, London.
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Allwyn and Formula 1® celebrate power of community by launching F1® Allwyn Global Community Award
- Brand-new F1® Allwyn Global Community Award will recognise and spotlight community-focused initiatives from across the world of Formula 1, with first winner to be presented at the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025.
- Allwyn to donate €100,000 to each winning initiative at four races this season.
Allwyn, the multi-national lottery-led entertainment company, and Formula 1 have today announced the launch of the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award. For the first time ever, community-focused initiatives across the world of Formula 1 will be spotlighted and celebrated on a global stage to showcase their positive impact on society. As well as global recognition, winning initiatives will each receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn to further transform communities around the world.
Winners must demonstrate a meaningful contribution to society away from the racetrack, which could include advancements in education, culture, wellbeing or sustainability. For each race, the local promoter will identify Formula 1-linked community initiatives such as those run by teams, partners and media, which have had an impact in their country. A panel of three judges from Allwyn, Formula 1 and a local representative will agree the winner, who, in addition to the donation, will receive a trophy and a chance to visit a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The creation of the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award is part of the multi-year partnership between Formula 1 and Allwyn, reflecting a shared commitment to driving positive change and giving back to the communities in which they operate. The first recipient will be presented with the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award ahead of the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix on 31 August. Three additional winners will be chosen later this season, recognising local initiatives at the home of Formula 1 races in the US (Austin and Las Vegas) and Mexico.
Allwyn’s ambition is to extend the Award to cover more races in the 2026 season and further celebrate projects which make a meaningful difference.
Robert Chvátal, Group CEO of Allwyn said: “Championing positive community impact is at the heart of what we do at Allwyn. Our partnership with Formula 1 is the perfect chance to demonstrate our commitment to communities through the creation of this inspiring F1® Allwyn Global Community Award, supporting the very best community initiatives around the world and bringing them to a huge global audience.”
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1 said: “It is a pillar of our sport to leave a positive legacy where we race and for many years, we’ve worked with the promoters and regional organisations to do just that, from inviting children from local schools to the track to encourage them to consider a role in motorsport, through to funding education initiatives and welcoming local community outlets and charities to be part of the event. Every year 24 incredible venues open their doors to host us, and we are met with fantastic passion and love at the track and throughout the entire city, so I am very proud to launch the F1® Allwyn Global Community Award as part of our mission. We will give the local initiatives that go the extra mile for making their communities and make the world a better place the recognition and global platform they deserve.”
The F1® Allwyn Global Community Award will be presented at the following Grands Prix in 2025:
- Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025 – 29 – 31 August 2025
- Formula 1® MSC Cruises USA Grand Prix 2025 – 17- 19 October 2025
- Formula 1® Gran Premio De La Cuidad De Mexico 2025 – 24 – 26 October 2025
- Formula 1® Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 – 20 – 22 November 2025
The post Allwyn and Formula 1® celebrate power of community by launching F1® Allwyn Global Community Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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HIPTHER Launches FREQ404: Tune in for a Sonic Journey of Balance by Sound and Error by Design
HIPTHER, the renowned online media and event organiser for Gaming and Tech, is turning up the volume – quite literally – with a powerful new initiative that brings music, identity, and community together. Meet FREQ404: an electrifying monthly music mix curated by HIPTHER’s very own Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, under the HPT.R profile.
From the stage to the strategy room, the creative spark of Zoltan and his wife, Betty Tűndik Kiszner Szilágyi, Co-Founders of HIPTHER, has always been a driving force behind the brand. But long before the conferences and curated content, Zoltan was better known to many as DJ Hawkie – a curator of soundwaves and moods. With performances at iconic venues like Ministry of Sound London (during iGB 2014), his passion for electronic music has always been loud and clear.
Now, with FREQ404, he returns to his roots, remixing electronic music and innovation in true HIPTHER fashion.
“My first sessions were live back in 2005–2006, and I recorded my first mix in 2008. Over the years, I’ve dropped the occasional annual mix, but something always pulled me back to the decks. With FREQ404, that pull is now a purpose. To reconnect with the roots, the rhythm, and the community. This time, it’s monthly. This time, it’s staying.” — Zoltan Tuendik a.k.a. HPT.R
The #hipthers are known for their passion for life, wellness, and connection – fostering innovation, sustainability, and movement. Now, they celebrate these pillars with their community and the world through a shared musical experience.
“Error by Design. Balance by Sound.”
HPT.R broadcasts FREQ404 from the glitch in the system, delivering monthly sonic transmissions that blend progressive, techno, vocal house, and deep electronic cuts. Each mix is a journey – hypnotic, immersive, and impossible to ignore.
This isn’t just background music. It’s a frequency for those who feel the pulse of innovation and want to ride its beat.
Why FREQ404?
Because sometimes, the best signals come from the errors in the system. And because music is a companion and inspiration throughout our everyday lives.
From the edge of the digital frontier, HPT.R is setting the tone for a new kind of HIPTHER vibe – one that unites tech, culture, and energy across borders.
🔗 Follow and listen now on Mixcloud and Spotify.
📡 New mix every month. Stay tuned – this is only the beginning.
The post HIPTHER Launches FREQ404: Tune in for a Sonic Journey of Balance by Sound and Error by Design appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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