Floß, December 18, 2024. The turn of the year marks the end of an era. Andreas Wolf, who has played a significant role in shaping Nexans autoelectric as Managing Director since 1996, is taking his well-deserved retirement. In June, he handed over management of the global automotive supplier to his successor Gregor Spuhler.
Born in Hesse, the business graduate began his career at the Floß-based automotive supplier in 1986 as Managing Director of a subsidiary. After working in Switzerland for two years, Wolf returned to Floß in 1992 and took over management of Nexans autoelectric four years later – in tandem until 2020. During his time as Managing Director, the company developed into a global player in the automotive industry, as Gregor Spuhler explained in his speech. Turnover rose from 65 million euros in 1996 to 751 million euros in 2023, and the workforce grew from around 1,200 to over 14,000 employees. The company's geographical and strategic focus also expanded considerably: With locations in ten countries – including the USA and China – and new business areas such as e-mobility and wiring systems, Nexans autoelectric is now more broadly positioned than ever.
Perseverance and passion – leitmotifs of his professional and personal success story
In his farewell speech, Wolf emphasized his special relationship with autoelectric – as many employees in Floß call their company: "autoelectric was and is like a big family to me and I have always endeavored to run it with passion and vision in the spirit of a family business." This special bond is also reflected in his personal history. During his time at the company, he met his wife, to whom he has been married for over 30 years.
A heartfelt send-off:
No farewell without gifts: As a wine and chocolate lover, he received fine wines and his favorite chocolate. But perhaps the most symbolic gift was a bonsai almost as old as his years of service, which was decorated with little personalized cards from all departments. An anecdotal picture story "36 years of autoelectric and the wolf" added another personal touch to the farewell package.
His successor Gregor Spuhler summed it up nicely: "The connection will continue – as a guest at the company's 60th anniversary in 2026 or simply as part of the autoelectric family."