After 20 years representing RS Sailing in Germany, distributor Christian Brandt has decided to step away from the business and will now focus exclusively on servicing RS Aero customers, providing the growing German RS Aero class with a dedicated and experienced partner. As of March 2022, Ziegelmayer Handelsgesellschaft mbH, a worthy successor selected by Brandt and RS Sailing, will now adopt and service all the other RS Sailing classes in the territory.
As part of a transitional phase, Christian Brandt and Ferdinand Ziegelmayer will both represent RS Sailing in Germany. RS Sailing Deutschland has been instrumental in helping RS Sailing grow from a small company on the market to a key player. As the brand moves onto a new chapter, Brandt will dedicate the next three years fully to build on the recent successes of the RS Aero, while Ziegelmayer’s experience will unlock new opportunities for the rest of the RS Sailing range.
Christian Brandt, CEO RS Sailing Deutschland GmbH: “Over the last 20 years, RS Sailing in Germany has grown from an unknown newcomer to a leading dinghy brand. It was hard work, but it was really worth it and a lot of fun along the way. That being said, I don’t think my body could take it for another 20 years! For me, RS Sailing has turned a corner, and I’ve nurtured it to become a leading dinghy brand. This transition will allow me to focus on new challenges, both personal and professional. I have always been passionate about launching the brand in Germany, more so than the day-to-day business, so it’s an ideal time to hand over the brand to a new successor. Ziegelmayer not only has the perfect experience to take this on, but also has the capacity to continue growing RS and bring it to new shores. I am convinced that this is an absolute win-win situation, not only for the three companies involved but for the benefit of dinghy sailing in all of Germany.”
Michiel Geerling, Commercial Director RS Sailing: “When we started working with Christian, we were very much a newcomer to the market in Germany, which we believed had huge potential. Christian was a part of the foundation of the brand; he found new customers, helped develop new products and created vibrant racing classes that are here to last. Christian played a vital role, which has been fundamental to RS Sailing becoming a leading dinghy brand in Germany. Adding the industry expertise and drive of Ziegelmayer into the mix will definitely bring us and the sport of sailing to the next level in Germany. We are excited about the future and will forever be thankful to Christian for his relentless determination and passion for growing RS Sailing and the wider sport in Germany”.
