Dr Stephan Harms appointed to the executive board of Ernsting’s family

Coesfeld, June 2026 
On 1 July 2026, Dr Stephan Harms will become the new Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) at Ernsting’s family and take over responsibility for the business areas of procurement, CSR and supply chain logistics. He will succeed Margret Langenau, who is stepping down from her professional career on 30 June 2026 in order to devote more time to her family.

Dr Harms has been an integral part of the company for many years and played a key role in shaping it in various roles – most recently as an authorised signatory and Director of Strategic Procurement Development. Over the past two years, he has thoroughly familiarised himself with his new area of responsibility, thereby ensuring that continuity is maintained with the usual professionalism and composure. He will thus be building seamlessly on the successful work of his predecessor.

Professor Timm Homann, CEO of the Ernsting’s family group, highlights the successful handling of this transition phase and the importance of stable leadership in challenging times: ‘Dr Stephan Harms embodies the values of Ernsting’s family in a special way: technical competence, integrity, approachability, modesty and family orientation. With his in-depth expertise and excellent academic background, he is ideally qualified for this role.’

About Ernsting’s family
Ernsting’s family is one of the most important omni-channel providers in the European textile retail sector, with 2,000 stores in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, a multi-award winning online presence and more than 12,500 employees. In the 2024/25 financial year, Ernsting’s family recorded sales of around € 1.6 billion. The company, based in Coesfeld (Westphalia), offers fashion and accessories for the whole family with a focus on underwear, women’s and children’s clothing. Quality at surprisingly favourable prices is the company’s premise and they are continuing to open up new distribution channels and sales locations with a sense of social, societal and environmental responsibility.