A significant generation change is on the cards at the Heroldsberg-based, internationally-operating family business, Schwan-Stabilo: As of October 1, 2025, Michele Molon will take on the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The long-standing CEO and managing partner, Sebastian Schwanhäußer, is thus handing over the operative responsibility after managing the company for almost three decades. Effective July 1, 2025, he will take over the post of Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Sebastian Schwanhäuser and Michele Molon as the faces of the generation shift at Schwan-Stabilo.
Molon brings over 25 years of international managerial experience with him – among others from executive positions at Swarovski and Montblanc. He was most recently employed as Chief Commercial Officer for the worldwide sales platform of Swarovski. The move to Schwan-Stabilo is a conscious decision for the Italian manager: “Running three so different business units under the roof of one single company is a complex and at the same time incredibly exciting task. This opportunity seldom arises – I will encounter it with humbleness and determination,” said Molon.
The CFO, Anke Buttler, will be provisionally taking over the operational management of the company until Molon takes up office in October.
Sebastian Schwanhäußer, member of the fifth generation of the family business, has significantly shaped the international alignment of the firm, the company’s successful entry onto the outdoor segment and the transformation during the COVID pandemic. According to Schwanhäußer, the management change has been under preparation for a long time: “A generation shift is a sensitive moment – especially after many years of consistency. We have planned this strategic move in good time and prepared it without any influences from external factors. In my opinion, an early change is better than one that comes too late.” He said about his successor: “Michele Molon is a perfect fit for Schwan-Stabilo. He brings international experience with him, a deep understanding for family businesses and special proximity to brands and markets.”
