What: Hendrik Pannenborg is appointed Chief Real Estate Officer at Breuninger, succeeding Prof. Michael Cesarz as of January 2026.

Why it is important: This leadership change ensures continuity in Breuninger’s real estate strategy, supporting ongoing growth and innovation across its omnichannel operations.

Breuninger has announced the appointment of Hendrik Pannenborg as Chief Real Estate Officer, effective January 2026, following the retirement of Prof. Michael Cesarz. Pannenborg, who has been with Breuninger for over thirteen years and most recently served as Director Real Estate, will now oversee all aspects of the company’s real estate operations, including the management and development of Breuninger’s diverse portfolio of locations and major projects such as the new mobility hub in Stuttgart. This transition underscores Breuninger’s commitment to continuity and strategic growth, leveraging Pannenborg’s deep familiarity with the company and its projects. Under Cesarz’s leadership, Breuninger completed significant initiatives, including the transformation of flagship stores and the expansion of logistics capabilities, which have contributed to the retailer’s strong market position. Breuninger’s focus on innovative real estate development, combined with its omnichannel approach and customer-centric services, continues to set high standards in the European premium retail sector.

IADS Notes: The appointment of Hendrik Pannenborg as Chief Real Estate Officer at Breuninger marks a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing transformation, reinforcing its strategy of blending tradition with innovation and maintaining leadership continuity. This transition comes as Breuninger continues to excel in both digital and physical retail, achieving 6% growth and €1.6 billion in GMV for 2024, with 60% of sales generated online, as reported in July 2025. The opening of the Hamburg flagship in April 2025 and the expansion into Switzerland and the Netherlands in November 2025 underscore the brand’s commitment to experiential shopping, urban development, and omnichannel integration. Breuninger’s focus on localized e-commerce, loyalty programs, and immersive community events, such as the partnership with Monocle in September 2025, highlights its ability to adapt to evolving consumer expectations while driving sustainable growth. The leadership transition ensures that Breuninger’s real estate strategy will continue to support its role as a premium European retailer, fostering vibrant urban environments and innovative retail experiences

Hendrik Pannenborg will become Breuninger’s Chief Real Estate Officer