Having served the company since 1995, Terfloth helped shape the German adhesives manufacturer’s research, innovation and international growth and now hands over his responsibilities following a planned leadership transition.
German adhesives manufacturer Jowat has announced the retirement of Dr Christian Terfloth after more than 30 years with the company, including more than two decades as a member of its board of directors.
Terfloth retired on 30 Jun 2026, bringing to a close a career during which he helped shape the company’s research, innovation and international growth.
Jowat board members Ralf Nitschke and Klaus Kullmann credited Terfloth with helping to strengthen the company’s long-term development.
“Throughout more than two decades on the board of directors, Dr Christian Terfloth not only created stability, but also established forward-looking structures — from strategic R&D initiatives and an active focus on anticipating future development to a leadership approach grounded in shared responsibility,” they said.
“His contributions reflect the attributes that make hidden champions strong: deep knowledge of their own business, clear strategic direction, and a lived commitment to the long term. We thank him for his extraordinary dedication and wish him all the very best in this new chapter of life,” Nitschke and Kullmann added.
Terfloth joined Jowat in 1995 as executive assistant to the board of directors before taking charge of the company’s research and development, where he led efforts to modernise and expand its international activities.
In 2003, he was appointed to the board of directors, assuming responsibility for research and development, technical support and service, purchasing and management systems.
Beyond Jowat, he served for more than 20 years on the technical board of the German Adhesives Association (IVK), taught at the OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and has been a member of the advisory board of the Schomburg Group since 2017.
Planned succession
Jowat said the leadership transition had been planned well in advance.
On 1 Jan 2026, Dr Olaf Meincke joined the board of directors, taking responsibility for research and development and research services. Following Terfloth’s retirement, his remaining responsibilities for technical support and service, purchasing and management systems will be transferred to other members of the board.
“This approach ensures continuity and maintains the strategic direction of the enterprise,” said Prof Andreas Wiedemann, chairman of Jowat’s supervisory board. “The supervisory board thanks Dr Christian Terfloth for his outstanding work throughout the past decades. His deep expertise, strategic foresight, and creativity have shaped Jowat over many years. Dr Terfloth leaves a profound professional and personal legacy.”
Reflecting on his career, Terfloth said: “After more than 30 years at Jowat, I feel the time is right to step aside. I extend my best wishes to my successor, Dr Olaf Meincke, both personally and for continued success at Jowat.”
Jowat marked Terfloth’s retirement with a farewell luncheon attended by around 100 colleagues. The company said he now plans to spend more time with his family while pursuing interests including water sports and travel.
