German eyewear pioneer Günther Fielmann dies at 84
Günther Fielmann, the businessman who changed the face of the German eyewear trade, has died at the age of 84, the Fielmann Group announced on Friday.
Fielmann died in his sleep in the presence of family at his home in Lütjensee in the north-western state of Schleswig-Holstein.
"The thoughts of more than 23,000 of our staff in Europe, Asia and the United States are with Günther Fielmann's relatives at this time. We express our condolences and deep sympathy to his family, friends and associates," a company release said.
Fielmann would be remembered for his customer-oriented approach, his creativity and vision as a pioneer in the eyewear sector, it said.
Fielmann branches are to be found in virtually all German towns and cities. The group has 977 outlets around the world, serving 27 million customers, according to figures up to the end of March last year. Annual turnover was put at almost €1.8 billion ($2.0 billion).
Fielmann withdrew from running the business in 2019, handing over to his son Marc. His interests included organic farming and the purchase of Plön Castle, the former residence of the dukes of Schleswig-Holstein, where today opticians are trained.
As philanthropist, he donated to education, science, culture and nature conservation. Fielmann Group staff were given shares in the group, and a tree was planted each year for each member of staff.
