Handelsblatt People of the Year 2012 Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler named Family Business Woman of the Year

2013-01-07 | HERZOGENAURACH

• Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Rösler praises Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler for “her hands-on approach, visionary thinking and outstanding entrepreneurial spirit”
• Schaeffler Group applauded for its “responsible economic practices and active engagement in business culture”
• Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler: “I dedicate this prize to our 76,000 employees to express my gratitude for their hard work and outstanding achievements”

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler is the Family Business Woman of the Year 2012: the owner of Schaeffler Group received the title from a prestigious jury, comprised of representatives from the German business world and Handelsblatt.

In his congratulatory statement, the Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Rösler praised Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler for “her hands-on approach, visionary thinking and her outstanding entrepreneurial spirit”. Rösler described how Ms Schaeffler had always been “a firm but fair negotiating partner and a truly passionate family business woman” during their encounters. “She has developed the Group with tremendous dedication and commitment. At the same time, she has maintained her reputation as a company leader with strong local roots who is always there for her employees and the region. Tenacity and discipline are Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler’s defining characteristics. Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler has never forgotten that there is more to life than figures and profits. Entrepreneurial freedom and civic responsibility are inseparable for her. Her Catholic faith also serves as a foothold and moral compass here. In her home town in Herzogenaurach, Franconia, everyone knows that they can rely on her. She places value on a family atmosphere in her company. Her constant and selfless engagement in civil and social projects without seeking the limelight, is a shining example for our society. Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler demonstrates that family companies and SMEs are not just a question of social structures or key figures, but also a question of attitude. An attitude to which she has always been committed. It is for all these reasons that she is Family Business Woman of the Year”, Rösler concluded.

The Federal Minister described the Schaeffler Group as a “true ‘hidden champion’” and “a successful world market leader, which as a listed company stands for responsible economic practices and an active development of its corporate culture – economically successful, strong in research, outward looking and deeply rooted in its local region”. Rösler also highlighted the contribution of the company’s clear and ongoing investment in young people and R&D to their market successes.

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler: “I would like to sincerely thank the jury, Handelsblatt and the Federal Minister of Economics and Technology for this award, and I dedicate this prize to our 76,000 employees to express my gratitude for their hard work and outstanding achievements”.