As the 10th generation of his family to be involved in glass making and with 48 years’ experience in the business, Georg Riedel is this year’s deserving winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Tableware International Awards of Excellence.
Starting in the finance department of the family’s Kufstein factory in 1973, Georg turned Riedel’s finances around and oversaw the investment in computers and software to help the business reach required targets in his early years. He became the majority shareholder and Managing Director in 1987, sharing the position with his father until 1994 when he became the sole director.
Georg’s contribution to Riedel’s wine glass success started in 1986 with the launch of the new Vinum range, that became the foundation of Riedel’s fame. More recently he has been involved in the development and launch of Winewings, which took out the Fine Glassware category in this year’s Awards.
Georg’s son, Maximillian, has stepped up to become CEO and minority shareholder of Riedel, while controlling ownership and guidance continues in Georg’s capable hands. His daughter Laetizia is the head of legal matters for the business.
Georg considers that he has successfully achieved his dream to hand over to the next generations an independent company, with a highly valued brand name. And he is also the proud grandfather to five grandchildren who may well be the 12th generation to work in the family business in the future.
